NPL: 17-year-old Rahul takes 4 wickets as Kathmandu fold for 115, turnout thin at ground

In the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), Janakpur Bolts' young bowler Rahul Yadav took 4 wickets as Kathmandu Gorkhas were bowled out for 115.

Having won the toss and chosen to bat first, Kathmandu lost all their wickets in 19.3 overs at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, losing 3 wickets inside the powerplay itself. Rahul conceded 31 runs in 4 overs while dismissing Sam Hazlett, Smit Patel, captain Karan KC and Adil Alam. Saif Hasan took 2 wickets, while Moeen Ali, captain Harmeet Singh and Lalit Rajbanshi picked up one each.

Bhim Sarki top-scored for Kathmandu with 33 runs off 29 balls, including 4 boundaries. Rashid Khan made 17 and Smit Patel scored 13.

Chasing a target of 116, Janakpur reached 100 runs in 16 overs for the loss of 2 wickets, with Moeen Ali unbeaten on 51 off 49 balls. This was Kathmandu's first match, while Janakpur had lost their opening game to Karnali Yaks by 19 runs.

Despite forecasts of rain and reports that all tickets had been sold, many seats at the stadium were seen empty. Floodlights were switched on from 3 pm itself due to overcast weather.