Kathmandu: Biratnagar Kings defeated Karnali Yaks by three wickets in a thrilling day-night encounter of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) at TU International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, today.

Chasing a target of 161 runs, Biratnagar reached the total with one ball to spare. Player-of-the-match Basir Ahamad produced a heroic innings, remaining unbeaten on 62 off 43 balls to guide his team to victory. Narayan Joshi added 25 runs in 16 balls, while Sahil Patel and Sam Heazlett contributed 19 and 16 runs, respectively. Biratnagar also benefited from 25 extras, including nine byes and five wides.

For Karnali, Sompal Kami and Gulshan Jha claimed two wickets each.

Earlier, Karnali posted 160 runs for the loss of three wickets in their 20 overs after opting to bat first. Opener Priyank Panchal scored 63 off 47 balls, supported by William Bosisto with 48 runs and Gulshan Jha with a quick 20 off 10 balls. Biratnagar’s Sandeep Lamichhane and Marchant de Lange took one wicket apiece.

With this win, Biratnagar Kings moved to 8 points from five matches, sitting second on the table behind Sudurpaschim Royals. Karnali Yaks remain fifth with two points from four games, while Janakpur Bolts sit at the bottom with three losses in three matches.

In the earlier match of the day, Kathmandu Gorkhas secured a 53-run victory over Chitwan Rhinos. Defending a target of 143 runs, Kathmandu bowled out Chitwan for 89 in 17.2 overs. Dev Khanal and Ravi Bopara scored 21 each, while Sohail Tanvir made 18, but no other Chitwan batter reached double figures.

Rashid Khan led Kathmandu’s bowling attack with three wickets, while captain Karan KC, Sahab Alam and Milind Kumar picked up two each.

Batting first after losing the toss, Kathmandu were bowled out for 142 runs in 19.4 overs. John Simpson top-scored with 60 runs, and Milind Kumar added 38. For Chitwan, Sohail Tanvir took four wickets, while Kamal Singh Airee and Ranjit Kumar claimed two apiece.