Kathmandu: Nepal witnessed their first-ever cricket match under floodlights on Monday evening at the TU Ground in Kirtipur, as the Nepal Premier League—a franchise-based Twenty20 tournament—kicked off with a thrilling curtain-raiser. Defending champions Janakpur Bolts fell to a five-wicket defeat against Kathmandu Gurkhas.

The historic night not only featured cricket under artificial lights for the first time in the country, but it also fulfilled a long-held dream of Nepali fans, who finally watched a match from the seats of the newly constructed parapet at TU Ground, the home of Nepali cricket.

The outcome of the opening match added to the intrigue of what Nepal’s premier domestic league can offer. The defending champions, who had defeated Kathmandu by five wickets in the league stage last season, were outplayed this time. Kathmandu, who failed to reach the playoffs in the inaugural edition, looked a transformed side.

Invited to bat first, Janakpur were restricted to 130–6, with Kathmandu chasing down the target comfortably in 18 overs finishing at 131–5.

Janakpur lost Sri Lanka-born USA international Lahiru Milantha for 7, with 34 runs on the board and then collapsed losing four wickets for just 12 additional runs. Opener Aasif Sheikh steadied the innings with a composed 54 off 41 balls, hitting six boundaries and a six, before being stumped by John Simpson off Shahab Alam.

Mayan Yadav played a valuable unbeaten knock of 34 off 29 balls, including two boundaries and a six. Sri Lankan all-rounder Lahiru Samarakoon added 22 off 21. Captain Anil Sah failed to live up to expectation and departed for a duck.

For Kathmandu, India-born all-rounder Milind Kumar starred with the ball claiming 3–15 in his four overs bowling. Captain Karan KC, Shahab Alam and Rashid Khan picked up a wicket each.

In reply, Kathmandu got off to a flying start with openers Aakash Tripathi (39) and Ben Charlesworth (46) sharing a solid 70-run stand. Charlesworth was particularly explosive, smashing 46 off 23 balls with five fours and three sixes before being caught and bowled by Loftie-Eaton.

Aakash contributed a steady 39 off 45 balls, hitting five boundaries before being bowled by Sanjay Krishnamurthi. Milind Kumar added 19 off 22 and John Simpson chipped in with 13 off 6. Mohammad Aadil Alam sealed the win with 8 off 4 deliveries.

Janakpur’s Kishore Mahato, Anil Sah, Lalit Rajbanshi, Loftie-Eaton and Krishnamurthi claimed a wicket apiece.

The action continues Tuesday with two fixtures: Chitwan Rhinos face Karnali Yaks at 11:45 AM followed by Biratnagar Kings taking on Pokhara Avengers at 4:00 PM.