Kathmandu, November 18
Kathmandu Gorkhas made a winning start in the second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), which kicked off in Kathmandu on Monday. In Nepal’s first-ever cricket match played under floodlights, the Kathmandu Gorkhas defeated defending champions Janakpur with an impressive all-round display.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Kathmandu restricted Janakpur to a modest total, helped by dominant spin bowling. Five of Kathmandu’s six wickets came from spinners. American all-rounder Milind Kumar starred with three wickets and 19 runs, earning the Player of the Match award. English opener Ben Charlesworth added a quickfire 46, while youngster Aakash Tripathi contributed 39 as Kathmandu cruised to victory.
For Janakpur, marquee player Aasif Sheikh scored the tournament’s first half-century with 54 runs, but lacked support from the other end. Youngster Mayan Yadav remained unbeaten on 34.
Both captains Karan KC and Anil Sah said they were thrilled to play under floodlights in Nepal for the first time, calling it a historic moment for domestic cricket.
