Shikhar Dhawan batting in the Nepal Premier League. Photo: X/OfficialNPLT20 Shikhar Dhawan batting in the Nepal Premier League. Photo: X/OfficialNPLT20 
Indian Premier League (IPL) legend Shikhar Dhawan hit his maiden Nepal Premier League (NPL) half-century on Wednesday (December 4, 2024) as Karnali Yaks dragged themselves to a total of 149/5 in 20 overs against Kathmandu Gurkhas in Kirtipur. (More Cricket News)
Asked to set a target by Gurkhas captain Karan KC at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Dhawan, 38, held the Yaks innings together with a composed 72 not out in 51 balls after a sluggish start.
The Karnali Yaks are looking for their first win of the NPL 2024. In their season opener, the Sompal Kami-led side suffered an eight-wicket defeat against Janakpur Bolts.
Nepal Premier League 2024: 'NPL Will Help In Growth Of Cricket In The Country', Says Shikhar Dhawan The two top teams after the league stage will play in Qualifier 1 with the winners punching a final ticket, while the losers will take on the winners of Eliminator between the third and fourth-placed teams, in Qualifier 2.
The Nepal Premier League, an ambitious Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) project, features eight teams with a fair sprinkling of international stars.
But none comes close to Shikhar Dhawan. The former India opener retired from international cricket in August earlier this year, and by turning up in Nepal, for a 'rival' cricket league, the southpaw has made himself ineligible to play in the IPL.
With 6769 runs in 221 innings, Dhawan is only behind Virat Kohli in the all-time list of IPL scorers.
Known for his attacking gamebet168, the flambouyant Indian batter played an uncharacteristic knock as the wickets kept falling at the other end on Wednesday. He held his nerve, bade his time, and eventually returned undefeated, having clobbered five sixes and four fours.