Cricket Kitchen

Karnali Yaks Claim a Stunning Nine-Wicket Victory Over Lumbini Lions Powered by Mark Watt’s Explosive Batting

November 22, 2025

Kathmandu – In today’s first match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), Karnali Yaks secured a remarkable nine-wicket victory over Lumbini Lions, thanks to an explosive innings by Scotland’s Mark Watt.

 

At the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Karnali successfully chased down the 157-run target set by Lumbini, reaching 158/1 in just 12.2 overs. Watt’s century played a pivotal role in the win, making him the first player to score a century in the ongoing edition of the NPL.

 

Watt scored 114 runs off 44 balls, smashing 12 sixes and 6 fours. He completed his half-century in 29 balls and reached his century in the next 15 balls.

 

For Karnali, opener Priyank Panchal was dismissed for 12 runs, while William Bosisto remained unbeaten on 29. Lumbini’s only wicket was taken by Sher Malla.

 

Earlier, after losing the toss and being invited to bat first, Lumbini scored 156 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

 

Lumbini captain Rohit Paudel top-scored with 49 runs. Ruben Trumpelmann remained unbeaten on 29, while Johannes Jonathan Smit scored 23 and D’Arcy Short contributed 19. The remaining batsmen failed to reach double digits.

 

In bowling, Karnali’s Nandan Yadav took two wickets, while Sompal Kami, Gulshan Jha, Mark Watt, Bipin Sharma, and Yuvaraj Khatri picked up one wicket each.

 

The second match of the day will be played between Kathmandu Gorkhas and Biratnagar Kings.