Karnali Yaks registered a nail-biting 7-run victory over Biratnagar Kings in the ongoing Nepal Premier League (NPL) at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, on Saturday.

Defending a modest total of 133 runs, Karnali’s bowlers held their nerve to restrict Biratnagar to 126/8 in 20 overs. The win marked Karnali’s second consecutive triumph in the tournament.

Nandan Yadav was an amazing performer with the ball, delivering an economical spell and taking three wickets for just 19 runs. He bowled a crucial final over, conceding only seven runs when Biratnagar needed 15 from the over to win. Bipin Sharma claimed two wickets, while Sompal Kami, William Bosisto, and Unish Thakuri took one each.

For Biratnagar, Nicholas Pooran top-scored with 40 runs off 39 balls, including four boundaries and a six, before being bowled by Yadav. Openers Lokesh Bam (19) and Martin Guptill (4) fell early to Bipin Sharma’s incisive bowling.

Chasing 134, Biratnagar struggled to build partnerships, with key dismissals at regular intervals. Deepak Bohara added 18 runs, but the rest of the middle order failed to make significant contributions.

Earlier, Karnali’s innings revolved around a 102-run third-wicket partnership between Dev Khanal (53 off 48 balls) and William Bosisto (66 off 49 balls). Bosisto hit five fours and three sixes before falling lbw to Chris Sole, while Khanal was caught off Basir Ahamad.

Biratnagar’s Pratish GC was the pick of the bowlers, taking four wickets for just 17 runs, including a maiden over. Basir Ahamad and Chris Sole claimed two wickets each, while Aqib Ilyas chipped in with one.

Karnali’s second win from four matches places them fourth in the table with four points, while Biratnagar remains seventh with just one win from four games.