Shikhar Dhawan fails to convert his solid start into big knock on his Nepal Premier League debut

Shikhar Dhawan fails to convert his solid start into big knock on his Nepal Premier League debut (Photo Source – Twitter/Routine of Nepal banda)

Former India batter Shikhar Dhawan looked to be in exceptional form in his debut in the Nepal Premier League 2024 (NPL). Representing Karnali Yaks in the tournament, the former star Indian batter got off to a good start to his knock but failed to make the most of it in the long run. 

Karnali Yaks took on Janakpur Bolts in the 3rd game of the NPL 2024. Both sides locked horns at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, in Kirtipur, on Monday, December 2. Opening the innings for Yaks, Shikhar Dhawan scored 14 runs in just as many deliveries. He hit three fours in the process but failed to convert his score into a big one. Hoping to get off to a good start, Dhawan looked to be in the flow but failed to go big.

Speaking of the game, Yaks came into bat first and posted a total of 141 runs in the first innings, thanks to some vital knocks in the lower middle order. Gulsan Jha and Arjun Gharti scored 36 and 33 runs, respectively. As for Bolts, Mohammad Mohsin was the highest wicket-taker for his side with two wickets to his name. Kishore Mahato, Lalit Rajbanshi, Harsh Thaker, and James Neesham took one wicket each.

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Bolts manage to register comfortable win

Aiming to chase down a target of 142 runs, Bolts opened their innings with Anil Sah and Aasif Sheikh scoring 62* and 36 runs, respectively. Lahiru Milantha added 24 runs on the board as well, with James Neesham staying unbeaten on a score of 16 runs.

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Bolts chased down the target in 15.1 overs and won the game by eight wickets. As for Yaks, Zeeshan Maqsood and Mousom Dhakal were the wicket-takers in the second innings with one wicket each to their name. Losing the clash, Shikhar Dhawan and co. will hope for an improved performance in the upcoming clash of the tournament.