Rashid Khan’s half-century, alongside an explosive innings from captain Karan KC, powered the Kathmandu Gorkhas to their first Nepal Premier League (NPL) victory, defeating Karnali Yaks by four wickets on October 28, 2026, at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
Key Facts
- Kathmandu Gorkhas chased a target of 181 runs in 19.4 overs.
- Rashid Khan scored a top score of 50 runs off 34 balls for Kathmandu.
- Captain Karan KC contributed 44 runs off just 20 balls.
- Australian star David Warner made his NPL debut for Kathmandu, scoring 16 runs.
- Karnali Yaks set a target of 181 for six wickets in their 20 overs.
How Did Rashid Khan Lead the Kathmandu Gorkhas to Victory?
Rashid Khan played a important role in the Kathmandu Gorkhas’ chase, anchoring the innings with a well-made half-century. He scored 50 runs from 34 balls, including three fours and two sixes, providing the stability needed to pursue the 181-run target set by Karnali Yaks. Khan established two significant half-century partnerships, first with Adil Alam and then with captain Karan KC, laying the foundation for the win.
The Kathmandu Gorkhas, who had previously lost their opening match to Janakpur Bolts on October 29, 2026, demonstrated a strong batting performance in their second NPL fixture. Their successful chase in 19.4 overs, despite losing six wickets, secured their first two points of the tournament, while marking Karnali Yaks’ first defeat after two consecutive wins.
What Were the Key Batting Performances for Kathmandu?
Beyond Rashid Khan’s key innings, captain Karan KC delivered a match-winning performance with his aggressive batting. KC smashed 44 runs off only 20 balls, featuring four fours and three sixes. His partnership with Rashid Khan added 55 runs in just 26 balls, significantly accelerating the chase.
Australian star David Warner also made his NPL debut for the Kathmandu Gorkhas, opening the innings. Warner scored 16 runs off 10 balls, including three fours, before being dismissed by Karnali captain Sompal Kami. Other contributions included Adil Alam’s 20 runs off 27 balls and Jahandad Khan’s unbeaten 22 off 10 balls, which included two important sixes in the 19th over to bring the team close to victory.
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How Did Karnali Yaks Set Their Target?
Karnali Yaks, batting first after losing the toss, posted a challenging total of 180 runs for six wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Opener Ariful Islam was the top scorer for Karnali, making 44 runs off 22 balls, hitting five fours and three sixes. Hussain Talat contributed 40 runs from 30 balls, including one four and two sixes.
Pawan Sarraf remained unbeaten with 30 runs off 23 balls, supported by two sixes, while Gulshan Jha added 20 runs off 12 balls with two sixes. Karnali’s innings included a critical 65-run partnership between Sarraf and Talat for the fifth wicket, which helped stabilize the score after they had slipped to 78 for four wickets.
Who Were the Top Bowlers for Both Teams?
For Kathmandu Gorkhas, captain Karan KC led the bowling attack, securing two wickets. Shahab Alam, Jahandad Khan, Dev Shah, and Santosh Yadav each claimed one wicket, contributing to restricting Karnali Yaks’ total.
Karnali Yaks’ bowling effort saw captain Sompal Kami and Hussain Talat take two wickets each. Mark Watt and Nandan Yadav also picked up one wicket apiece, attempting to defend their team’s score. Despite their efforts, the Kathmandu Gorkhas’ strong batting lineup in the end chased down the target.
| Player | Team | Runs Scored (Balls Faced) | Wickets Taken (Overs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rashid Khan | Kathmandu Gorkhas | 50 (34) | – |
| Karan KC | Kathmandu Gorkhas | 44 (20) | 2 (N/A) |
| Ariful Islam | Karnali Yaks | 44 (22) | – |
| Hussain Talat | Karnali Yaks | 40 (30) | 2 (N/A) |
| David Warner | Kathmandu Gorkhas | 16 (10) | – |
FAQ
Who is Rashid Khan?
Rashid Khan, born on February 21, 2001, is a Nepalese cricketer. He made his Twenty20 International (T20I) debut for Nepal in December 2019 and was awarded a central contract by the Cricket Association of Nepal in September 2020.
What is the Nepal Premier League (NPL)?
The Nepal Premier League (NPL) is a domestic cricket tournament in Nepal. The 2026 edition features various teams, including the Kathmandu Gorkhas and Karnali Yaks, competing in T20 format matches.
How did David Warner perform in his NPL debut?
David Warner made his NPL debut for the Kathmandu Gorkhas, scoring 16 runs off 10 balls. He hit three fours before being dismissed by Karnali captain Sompal Kami during the match on October 28, 2026.
What was the final score of the match between Kathmandu Gorkhas and Karnali Yaks?
The Kathmandu Gorkhas successfully chased Karnali Yaks’ target of 181 runs, scoring 181 for six wickets in 19.4 overs. Karnali Yaks had earlier posted 180 for six wickets in their 20 overs.
Sources: OnlineKhabar English News – Khabarhub – NepalPremierLeague.siteUpdated: November 2, 2026.
