Karnali Yaks secured a thrilling five-run victory over Lumbini Lions in the first match of today’s Nepal Premier League (NPL) cricket tournament at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.

Chasing a target of 129 runs set by Karnali Yaks, Lumbini Lions were restricted to 123 runs in their allotted 20 overs, losing seven wickets in the process. Tom Moores was the top scorer for Lumbini, making 36 runs off 35 balls, which included four fours and one six.

Sundeep Jora contributed 24 runs, while Aashutosh Ghiraiya and Saad Bin Zafar both made 16 runs. Arjun Saud scored 13 runs, and captain Rohit Kumar Paudel was dismissed for 10. The remaining Lumbini players failed to reach double figures.

Karnali Yaks’ Zeeshan Maqsood was the standout bowler, taking two wickets, while Sompal Kami, Nandan Yadav, Bipin Sharma, and William Bosisto each took one wicket to keep Lumbini to a total of 123 runs.

Earlier, Karnali Yaks, who were invited to bat after losing the toss, posted 128 runs in their 20 overs, losing eight wickets. William Bosisto top-scored with 44 runs from 30 balls, which included three fours and three sixes.

Arjun Gharti contributed 25 runs off 25 balls, with two fours and one six. Opener Babar Hayat made 20 runs off 22 balls, hitting one four and one six, while Dev Khanal was dismissed for just 3 runs. Chadwick Walton added 13 runs, and Gulshan Jha made 8 runs. Captain Sompal Kami scored 7 runs.

For Lumbini, debutant Bikash Aagri claimed three wickets, while Tilak Raj Bhandari took two. Saad Bin Zafar and captain Rohit Kumar Paudel each took one wicket.

With this win, Karnali Yaks bolstered their playoff hopes, while Lumbini Lions were eliminated from the NPL. The second match of the day will see Biratnagar Kings face off against Chitwan Rhinos.