Kathmandu Gurkhas, after opting to bat first, set Janakpur Bolts a modest target of 102 runs in their ongoing Nepal Premier League (NPL) match. Kathmandu’s innings ended at 101/10 in 19.3 overs. They struggled throughout, with only Gerhard Erasmus (20) and Stephen Eskinazi (17) offering resistance. The rest of the batting line-up faltered, with notable contributions from Karan KC (19) and Shahab Alam (8*).

Janakpur’s bowlers dominated, with Lalit Rajbanshi and Sher Malla both taking three wickets each, while Mohammad Mohsin added two. The Bolts are now tasked with chasing a relatively low total to secure the win.

The Pokhara Avengers emerged victorious in a nail-biting super over against Biratnagar Kings in the Nepal Premier League. Biratnagar posted 140 runs, which Pokhara matched, taking the game into the super over.

In the super over, Pokhara posted 19 runs, thanks to a strong contribution from Raymon Reifer. Biratnagar struggled to chase down the target, managing only five runs, securing a crucial win for Pokhara. This result keeps Pokhara’s playoff hopes alive, while Biratnagar became the second team to be eliminated from the tournament.

Mohammad Rizwan has come under heavy fire for his performance during Pakistan’s loss to South Africa in a high-stakes match. Critics described his innings as lackluster, accusing him of playing a “shameless” and “criminal” knock that failed to meet the demands of the situation. His inability to accelerate scoring when required drew ire from fans and analysts alike, with many questioning his intent and decision-making under pressure.

While Rizwan’s cautious approach ensured some stability, it proved inadequate against South Africa’s aggressive game plan. His inability to shift gears in critical moments ultimately hurt Pakistan’s chances, and his performance sparked a broader debate about his role and strategy in the team’s batting order. Some commentators were particularly scathing, questioning how Rizwan could reflect on his effort given the circumstances.

The incident has added to the scrutiny of Pakistan’s overall performance in the tournament, with many demanding better strategies and execution from key players. Rizwan, regarded as a pivotal figure in the lineup, now faces the challenge of responding to the criticism and delivering under pressure in future matches.