By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Nov 30, 2025 13:17 PM • 68 views
The Nepal Premier League (NPL) delivered another chapter of high-stakes drama on Sunday at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, where the Kathmandu Gorkhas showcased their championship credentials with a composed five-wicket victory over the struggling Karnali Yaks. In a contest that swung between early collapse and late fireworks, the Gorkhas held their nerve to chase down a competitive target of 150, further cementing their position in the top half of the table while leaving the Yaks' playoff hopes hanging by a thread.
The Gorkhas March On
This wasn't just a win; it was a statement of maturity from the Kathmandu outfit. Chasing 150 on a surface that offered assistance to the bowlers, the Gorkhas' pursuit was anchored by a professional middle-order display that neutralised Karnali's desperate attempts to defend their total. The chase began with intent as openers Ben Charlesworth and Aakash Tripathi provided a brisk start, racing to 39 to unsettle the Yaks' new-ball attack. However, it was the experienced heads, John Simpson and Gerhard Erasmus, who proved to be the difference-makers. The duo absorbed the pressure of wickets falling and built a pivotal partnership that guided the team through the tricky middle overs. Despite a late stutter—triggered by a spirited spell from Karnali's Nandan Yadav, who induced a brief scare in the dying stages—the Gorkhas' depth shone through. They crossed the finish line with wickets in hand, a victory that underscores their adaptability and resilience as the tournament approaches the business end.
Jha's Heroics in Vain
Earlier in the day, the Karnali Yaks' innings was a tale of two distinct halves. After opting to bat first, they endured a nightmare start. The very first ball of the match set a grim tone as opener Priyank Panchal was caught and bowled by Kathmandu skipper Karan KC for a golden duck. The panic deepened moments later when William Bosisto was run out for a solitary run, leaving the Yaks reeling at 1 for 2 in the first over.
It took a grit-filled recovery from Mark Watt (30 off 27) and Pawan Sarraf (35 off 29) to drag the side out of the abyss. Their 59-run stand for the third wicket stopped the rot, but it was the late explosion from Gulshan Jha that truly ignited the crowd.
Walking in with his team staring at a below-par total, the young all-rounder played a blinder. Jha smashed an unbeaten 49 off just 22 deliveries, launching three sixes and six boundaries in a display of clean, fearless hitting. His 222.72 strike rate propelled the Yaks to 149/7—a total that looked improbable when they were losing wickets in clusters.
Rashid Khan was the pick of the bowlers for Kathmandu, claiming 2 for 37, while Karan KC's early breakthrough remained the defining moment of the powerplay.
Playoff Picture
The result has implications that are contradictory for both sides. For the Kathmandu Gorkhas, this victory is a massive boost, effectively placing one foot in the playoffs. They have found ways to win from different situations, a hallmark of a title-contending side. For the Karnali Yaks, the road ahead is now perilous. Despite Jha's individual brilliance, their inability to string together a complete team performance—losing wickets early and failing to apply pressure consistently with the ball—has left them languishing at the bottom of the table. In a tournament where momentum is everything, the Yaks are quickly running out of time to find theirs.
