Karnali Yaks claimed their first victory of the Nepal Premier League Season 2 with a commanding nine-wicket win over Lumbini Lions, propelled by a dazzling century from opener Mark Watt.

Earlier, Lumbini had set a target of 157 after posting 156–8 in their 20 overs at the TU International Cricket Stadium. Skipper Rohit Kumar Paudel top-scored with 49 off 43, supported by cameos from JJ Smit (23 off 14), D’Arcy Short (19 off 13) and a late surge from Ruben Trumpelmann (29). Karnali’s bowlers shared the wickets, with Nandan Yadav taking two.

But the chase belonged entirely to Watt. The left-hander produced one of the most dominant innings in NPL history, racing to a 41-ball hundred—the first of this season—powered by 10 sixes and six fours. His assault eclipsed the previous highest individual score of the season, the 90 made by Priyank Panchal against Chitwan.

Karnali cruised to the target for the loss of just one wicket, securing a morale-boosting first win of their campaign. Priyank Panchal made 12 off 10 balls, striking a four and a six, before departing as the side’s sole dismissal.

Lumbini, who had won their opening match, suffered a heavy defeat in their second outing.