Karnali Yaks have posted a modest 119-run target against Janakpur Bolts in the second qualifier of the Nepal Premier League at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Thursday.

Janakpur Bolts dominated with the ball after winning the toss and opting to field first. Karnali’s opening pair struggled, with Jaykishan Kolsawala dismissed for just one run in the first over. Dev Khanal, the other opener, managed 24 runs off 20 balls, including three boundaries and a six, before falling to James Neesham in the fifth over. At 39-2, Karnali’s top order had already come under pressure.

Zeeshan Maqsood (12) and William Bosisto (14) offered brief resistance but were dismissed before forming any substantial partnerships. Chadwick Walton followed, dismissed for 11 off 13 balls, leaving Karnali at 64-4 in the 12th over. The middle order quickly fell apart, with Arjun Gharti (2) and Sompal Kami (5) both dismissed cheaply. By the 15th over, Karnali were struggling at 77-6.

Gulsan Jha (25) and Unish Thakuri (12) tried to steady the innings, but the pressure from Janakpur’s bowlers was relentless. Jha was dismissed in the 16th over, leaving Karnali at 103-8. The team finished their innings at 118-9, with no strong partnerships to boost their total.

Janakpur’s bowlers were excellent throughout, with Harsh Thaker leading the charge, taking one wicket for just 13 runs in his four overs. Lalit Rajbanshi (2-22) and Mohammad Mohsin (2-14) were also key contributors, while Neesham (2-30) and Sher Malla (1-4) maintained pressure throughout.

The winner of this match will face Sudurpaschim Royals in the final, scheduled for Saturday.