Dhawan’s half-century sets competitive target for Karnali against Kathmandu

KATHMANDU: Karnali Yaks have set a challenging target of 150 runs for Kathmandu Gurkhas in the ongoing Nepal Premier League (NPL) after posting 149/5 in their 20 overs.

The match, held on Wednesday, saw Karnali opt to bat first after losing the toss.

Opener Shikhar Dhawan played a pivotal role, remaining unbeaten on 72 runs, the highest score for Karnali. Dhawan faced 51 balls, hitting 4 fours and 5 sixes.

This was his first half-century in the NPL, achieving the milestone off 42 balls.

Dhawan’s aggressive innings included a flurry of boundaries, with his first four coming in the 13th over.

He struck 52 runs off the next 26 balls, demonstrating his dominance.

Chadwick Walton supported well with 21 runs off 15 balls, including 5 fours. He was dismissed by Kathmandu’s Jehard Erasmus, caught by Karan KC in the 4th over.

Babar Hayat contributed 13 runs off 18 balls before being bowled out by Deepesh Kandel. Gulshan Jha added 12 runs off 19 balls, but was stumped by wicketkeeper Stephan Skinnazi off Erasmus’ bowling. Zeeshan Maksud remained not out with 14 runs off 11 balls.

Earlier in the match, Karnali’s Karan KC took the first wicket, dismissing Dev Khanal without a run on the third ball of the first over.

Khanal, who failed to open his account in previous games, fell victim to KC’s LBW.

Arjun Gharti also contributed 4 runs off 3 balls before being bowled by Nathan Swetter.

Karnali’s late surge of 58 runs in the final five overs ensured they set a competitive total.

Kathmandu’s Jehard Erasmus claimed two wickets, while Nathan Swetter, Deepesh Kandel, and captain Karan KC each took one wicket.

In today’s second match, the Biratnagar Kings will face off against Lumbini Lions.