Kathmandu Gorkhas start NPL season with strong win under floodlights

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted Nov 18, 2025

Kathmandu Gorkhas opened the second edition of the Nepal Premier League with a convincing victory over defending champions Janakpur Royals on Monday, in what was the first-ever cricket match played under floodlights in Nepal.

Captain Karan KC’s decision to bowl first paid off as Kathmandu’s spinners dominated, taking five of the six wickets.

Janakpur struggled to build partnerships, managing only a modest total despite a half-century from marquee batter Aasif Sheikh and a steady 34* from young Mayan Yadav.

American all-rounder Milind Kumar starred for Kathmandu, taking 3 wickets including key dismissals of captain Anil Sah and Lahiru Milantha, also scoring 19 runs.

English opener Ben Charlesworth smashed 46 off 23 balls, while Aakash Tripathi added 39, helping Kathmandu chase the target comfortably.

Both teams also fielded several U-19 talents, with Mayan Yadav impressing for Janakpur and Santosh Yadav and Aakash Tripathi delivering for Kathmandu.

Players from both sides said they were delighted to take part in Nepal’s first floodlit cricket match, calling it a historic and memorable moment.