Kathmandu: Ncell has announced its partnership with the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) as the 'Powered By' sponsor for the upcoming Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2024. The professional franchise-based T20 cricket tournament, featuring eight teams and 32 matches, will kick off on November 30 at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, and conclude with the finals on December 21.



This collaboration aims to promote Nepal’s homegrown cricket talent and provide a platform for players to showcase their skills. Teams representing major cities—Biratnagar, Chitwan, Janakpur, Karnali, Kathmandu, Lumbini, Pokhara, and Sudurpashim—will compete in a round-robin format.



The agreement was formalized last week between Ncell’s Managing Director and CEO, Jabbor Kayumov, and CAN Secretary, Paras Khadka. Speaking about the partnership, Kayumov stated, "This collaboration underscores our commitment to youth empowerment, sports development, and social unity. Cricket has a special place in the hearts of people across the subcontinent, and we are proud to support a tournament that showcases local talent while bringing international-level production and players to the forefront."



The NPL matches will also be broadcasted internationally, with Ncell enabling live streaming for on-the-go viewers. The company has planned various customer-centric activations and offers during the tournament.



CAN Secretary Khadka expressed gratitude, stating, "NPL’s goal is to develop Nepalese cricket and elevate it to global standards. Ncell has been a consistent supporter of sports in Nepal, and their involvement will help us achieve long-term goals, including establishing NPL as one of the world's leading cricket leagues."



Ncell’s contribution to sports in Nepal extends beyond cricket, with sponsorships in football, volleyball, golf, and para-athletics. The company has supported key events, including the Triangular T20I Series, ICC League 2, and Nepal-Canada ODI Series. In 2014, Ncell organized Nepal's first domestic cricket league, the Ncell Nepal Premier League, in collaboration with CAN.



Through its CSR initiatives, Ncell has also supported the National Paralympic Committee, revitalized the Lainchaur Ground, and organized annual corporate golf tournaments. These efforts highlight the company’s enduring commitment to nurturing sports talent and infrastructure in Nepal.

Ncell partners with CAN as 'Powered By' sponsor for Nepal Premier League 2024

Kathmandu: Australia defeated Pakistan by 13 runs in the second T20 International, clinching the three-match series 2-0. The match, held at Sydney, saw Pakistan fall short of the 148-run target, getting bowled out for 134 runs in 19.4 overs. Usman Khan top-scored for Pakistan with 52 runs, while Irfan Khan added an unbeaten 37. Despite their efforts, Pakistan failed to chase down the target. Australian bowler Spencer Johnson shone with the ball, taking five wickets, supported by Adam Zampa with two dismissals.



Earlier, after winning the toss and opting to bat, Australia posted 147 runs for nine wickets in their 20 overs. Opener Matthew Short contributed the highest score for the hosts with 32 runs. Pakistan’s Haris Rauf excelled with four wickets, while Abbas Afridi and Sufiyan Muqeem claimed three and two wickets, respectively.



The third and final T20 match of the series is scheduled for Monday. In the first T20, Australia had defeated Pakistan by 29 runs. However, Pakistan had claimed the three-match ODI series preceding the T20s with a 2-1 victory.

Australia secures T20 Series win against Pakistan

Kathmandu: The boos from a crowd wanting more action were growing again when Jake Paul dropped his gloves before the final bell, and bowed toward 58-year-old Mike Tyson.



Paying homage to one of the biggest names in boxing history didn't do much for the fans that filled the home of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys on Friday night.



Paul won an eight-round unanimous decision over Tyson as the hits didn't match the hype in a fight between the 27-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer and the former heavyweight champion in his first sanctioned pro bout in almost 20 years. All the hate from the pre-fight buildup was gone, replaced by boos from bewildered fans hoping for more action in a fight that drew plenty of questions about its legitimacy long before it happened.



The fight wasn't close on the judge's cards, with one giving Paul an 80-72 edge and the other two calling it 79-73."Let's give it up for Mike," Paul said in the ring, not getting much response from a crowd that started filing out before the decision was announced.



"He's the greatest to ever do it. I look up to him. I'm inspired by him."Tyson came after Paul immediately after the opening bell and landed a couple of quick punches but didn't try much else the rest of the way.



Even fewer rounds than the normal 10 or 12 and two-minute rounds instead of three, along with heavier gloves designed to lessen the power of punches, couldn't do much to generate action.



Paul was more aggressive after the quick burst from Tyson in the opening seconds, but the punching wasn't very efficient. There were quite a few wild swings and misses."I was trying to hurt him a little bit," said Paul, who improved to 11-1. "I was scared he was going to hurt me. I was trying to hurt him. I did my best.



I did my best."Tyson mostly sat back and waited for Paul to come to him, with a few exceptions. It was quite the contrast to the co-main event, another slugfest between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano in which Taylor kept her undisputed super lightweight championship with another disputed decision.



It was the first sanctioned fight since 2005 for Tyson, who fought Roy Jones in a much more entertaining exhibition in 2020. Paul started fighting a little more than four years ago."I didn't prove nothing to anybody, only to myself," Tyson said when asked what it meant to complete the fight.



"I'm not one of those guys that looks to please the world. I'm just happy with what I can do."Tyson's record is now 50-7 with 44 knockouts.The fight was originally scheduled for July 20 but had to be postponed when Tyson was treated for a stomach ulcer after falling ill on a flight.



Tyson slapped Paul on the face during the weigh-in a night before the fight, and they traded insults in several of the hype events, before and after the postponement.The hate was long gone by the end of the underwhelming fight."This guy's always had my back," Paul said about Tyson.



"I love him. I love his family, his coaches. It's just an honor to be in the ring with all of them."The fight set a Texas record for combat sports with a gate of nearly $18 million, according to organizers, and Netflix had problems with the feed in the streaming platform's first live combat sports event.



Netflix has more than 280 million subscribers globally."This is the biggest event," Paul said. "Over 120 million people on Netflix. We crashed the site."Mario Barrios retained the WBC welterweight title in a draw with Abel Ramos on the undercard.



Barrios was in control early before Ramos dominated the middle rounds. Each recorded a knockdown in the 12-round bout.It was the first fight for the 29-year-old Barrios since he was appointed the WBC welterweight champ when Terence Crawford started the process of moving up from the 147-pound class.



Barrios, who is 29-2-1, had won the interim WBC title with a unanimous decision over Yordenis Ugás last year. The 33-year-old Ramos is 28-6-3.



Source: AP

Jake Paul beats 58-year-old Mike Tyson as the hits don't match the hype

Kathmandu: Nepal has made history by qualifying for the ICC U-19 Women's T20 World Cup, set to be held in Malaysia next year. The milestone was achieved after Nepal defeated the UAE by 8 wickets in a crucial match on Wednesday, securing their spot in the tournament for the first time.



Chasing a modest target of 84 runs set by the UAE, Nepal completed the chase in just 14 overs, losing only 2 wickets. Opener Sana Pravin led the charge with an unbeaten 35 runs. Captain Pooja Mahato also contributed with a quickfire 21 runs off 18 balls, while Sabitri Dhami added 12 runs to the total.



Earlier, UAE, who won the toss and opted to bat first, struggled to put up a big score. They were dismissed for 83 runs in 20 overs, losing 9 wickets in the process. UAE captain Samaira Dharanidhar top-scored for her side with 31 runs, while Rineetha Ranjit contributed 20 runs. Openers Lavanya Kenny and Induja Nandakumar both made 10 runs each.



For Nepal, Krishna Gurung was the standout bowler, taking 4 wickets for 17 runs in her 4-over spell. Gurung had a remarkable over, in which she dismissed 3 UAE players, including captain Dharanidhar. Riya Sharma and Seema KC each picked up 2 wickets, while Rachna Kumari Chaudhary took 1 wicket.



Nepal's victory not only marks their qualification for the prestigious tournament but also highlights the team's growing strength in women's cricket.

Nepal makes history by qualifying for ICC U-19 Women's T20 World Cup

Kathmandu: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that India will not participate in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan. ESPNcricinfo reports that the BCCI has formally requested the ICC to find an alternative arrangement, with the Indian team not traveling to Pakistan for the tournament.



As the host nation, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is preparing for a potential eight-team competition, but India’s decision has raised questions about the tournament’s logistics. The ICC is considering a hybrid model, with some matches potentially being held outside Pakistan, in locations such as Dubai, as India has requested to play its matches in neutral venues. Sri Lanka has also emerged as a possible alternative venue.



The participating teams for the Champions Trophy will include India, Pakistan, Australia, England, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, New Zealand, and South Africa. However, with India’s withdrawal from traveling to Pakistan, discussions around the tournament format and venues are ongoing.



Although the Champions Trophy is scheduled to begin on February 19, 2025, the full match schedule has not yet been released. The Pakistan Cricket Board has requested formal written confirmation of India’s decision regarding the tournament.

India decides against traveling to Pakistan for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Kathmandu: Nepal secured three silver medals on Friday at the 15th World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship in Male, Maldives.



Three Nepali athletes—Rujesh Shahi, Prajwalman Shakya, and Rajani Shrestha—earned silver in their respective categories at the prestigious event organized by the Bodybuilding Association of Maldives.



Shakya won silver in the Masters 40-49 age group, competing in the under 80 kg weight class, where he faced off against 10 other participants. Meanwhile, Shahi claimed silver in the men's 60 kg category, and Shrestha took home silver in the women's 55 kg and above category.



A total of six Nepali bodybuilders are representing the country at the championship. Lalit Dhimal, Rajit Acharya, and Sanam Mulguthi will compete on Saturday, hoping to add to Nepal’s medal tally.



The event has drawn competitors from around the world, with bodybuilders showcasing their strength and physique across various categories.

Nepal clinches 3 silver medals at 15th World Bodybuilding Championship in Maldives

Kathmandu: Nepal began their ICC Women's U-19 World Cup Asia Qualifiers campaign with a dominant 67-run win over Thailand on Wednesday at The Seven Cricket Stadium in the UAE.



Batting first after being sent in by Thailand, Nepal posted a competitive total of 102 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Puja Mahato led the charge with the bat, top-scoring with 35 runs. Simana KC and Soni Pakhrin also contributed with 19 runs each, helping Nepal set a challenging target for their opponents.



In response, Thailand struggled to make an impact with the bat, being bowled out for just 35 runs in 11.4 overs. Nepal's bowlers were in exceptional form, with Rachana Kumari Chaudhary leading the charge by claiming 4 wickets. Captain Mahato and Riya Sharma each took 2 wickets, while Karishma Gurung and Manisha Kumari Upadhyay picked up one wicket each.



The victory puts Nepal in a strong position in the qualifiers, which also feature the UAE, Kuwait, and Thailand. The top team from the group will advance to the ICC Women's U-19 World Cup.



Nepal's next match will be against Kuwait tomorrow, as they look to continue their winning momentum in the tournament.

Nepal secures convincing 67-run victory over Thailand in ICC Women's U-19 World Cup Asia Qualifiers

Kathmandu: In an exciting match at the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes tournament, Nepal secured an impressive victory over Australia, winning by 11 runs. After winning the toss, Australia opted to field first, allowing Nepal to set a challenging total of 111 runs in their 6-over innings, losing just two wickets.



Captain Sundeep Jora led the charge with a spectacular performance, scoring 51 runs off just 16 balls, which included four sixes and five fours. His opening partner, Lokesh Bam, also made significant contributions, adding 33 runs from 13 balls, featuring three sixes and three fours. Bibek Yadav and Rashid Khan each chipped in with 12 runs, helping Nepal to a competitive total.



Australia's Jack Wood claimed two wickets but was unable to halt Nepal's momentum. In their chase for 112 runs, Australia managed only 100 runs before being bowled out in the allotted six overs. Jack Wood emerged as the top scorer for Australia with 55 runs off 16 balls, supported by Alex Ross, who scored 14 runs off just 4 balls.



The Nepali bowling attack was led by Pratis GC, who took three wickets in just 2 overs and was awarded the Player of the Match. Both Lokesh Bam and Bibek Yadav contributed with a wicket each.



This victory marks Nepal's second consecutive win in the tournament, following a six-wicket triumph over England in their opening match. With this latest win, Nepal has advanced to the quarter-finals, where they will face Sri Lanka.



The Hong Kong Cricket Sixes is an annual six-a-side international tournament featuring between eight and twelve teams from around the world.

Kathmandu: Nepal’s national women's football team is set to compete against Bangladesh in the final of the SAFF Women's Championship on Wednesday. This marks the second consecutive year that Nepal has reached the finals, hoping to secure their first title.



Captain and goalkeeper, Anjila Tumbapo Subba, expressed the team's determination to win the championship, emphasizing their readiness to challenge the previous titleholders, Bangladesh. Despite reaching the finals five times before without clinching the trophy, this year’s match at Dasarath Stadium offers Nepal a renewed opportunity.



In a pre-final press conference, Anjila reflected on past defeats but remained confident that her team would not miss this chance. She acknowledged Bangladesh as a strong opponent but assured that her team is well-prepared to rise to the challenge. She also noted the immense support from fans during the semifinals, which she believes will continue into the final.



Anjila stated that this current squad is strong and capable, mentioning that if they do not secure a win, it could take another 5 to 10 years to build a stronger team. Therefore, she stressed the importance of seizing this opportunity to become champions, especially after losing to Bangladesh in the previous edition of the tournament.



The final match will take place on Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM at the Dasarath Stadium, where Nepal aims to reverse last year's 3-1 defeat against Bangladesh, which marked Bangladesh's first championship win.



Head coach Rajendra Tamang echoed Anjila's sentiments, noting improvements in the team's defensive line and expressing confidence in their preparation to win the title. He highlighted the crucial support from home fans during their match against India and expects a similar atmosphere in the final.



Tamang cautioned that Bangladesh is a formidable team, requiring his players to avoid mistakes, and he believes they are prepared to counter Bangladesh's European-style gameplay. He also addressed concerns about the absence of player Rekha Paudel, assuring that adequate preparations have been made for her replacement.



Bangladesh's captain, Sabina Khatun, acknowledged the challenges both teams will face in the final and expressed hope that fans will enjoy the competitive spirit of the match. Coach Peter Butler emphasized the importance of strong mental resilience for a positive outcome in the final.



In light of safety concerns, the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has prohibited certain items from being brought into the stadium during the final, including water bottles, weapons, lighters, and large bags, to ensure a secure environment for all attendees.

Nepal to face Bangladesh in SAFF Women's Championship final

Kathmandu: Nepal advanced to the final of the SAFF Women’s Championship after defeating India 4-2 in a penalty shootout on Sunday at Dasharath Stadium. The semifinal match ended in a 1-1 draw after regular time, marked by controversial officiating.



Substitute goalkeeper Anjana Rana Magar played a crucial role, saving two penalties, including a key attempt from India’s captain Asha Lata Devi, who hit the post with her first kick. Nepal’s four shooters—Sabitra Bhandari, Gita Rana, Sabita Rana Magar, and Amisha Karki—converted their penalties successfully.



The match was intense from the start and became contentious when Nepal’s Rekha Poudel received a red card in the 50th minute. The decision by assistant referee Choden Chhiring was met with uproar from the home crowd, who argued that Poudel had not committed a foul. Video replays suggested she was unfairly penalized.



Despite being down a player, India took the lead in the 62nd minute with a goal from Sangeeta Basfour. However, Preeti Rai quickly equalized for Nepal, although the goal was initially disallowed, causing further discontent among the fans. After a lengthy delay to address the disputes, Sabitra Bhandari scored the equalizer for Nepal in the 66th minute.



Following the penalty shootout, Nepal will face defending champions Bangladesh in the final. Bangladesh secured their spot with a dominant 7-1 victory over Bhutan in the other semifinal. This marks Nepal’s fifth appearance in the SAFF Women’s Championship final, where they have yet to secure a title. Meanwhile, India, the tournament’s most successful team, was eliminated amid the controversial circumstances.

Nepal defeats India 4-2 on penalties to reach SAFF Women’s Championship final

Kathmandu: Nepal will begin its campaign in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League-2 series today, taking on the United States in their opening match at Grand Prairie Stadium. The match is scheduled to start at 9:15 PM NST.



The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has announced a 15-member squad for the tournament, captained by Rohit Kumar Poudel. The team includes notable players such as Anil Shah, Kushal Bhurtel, Asif Sheikh, Bhim Sarki, and Sandeep Lamichhane, among others.



Under the tri-series format, Nepal will play two matches against both the US and Scotland. Their second match is set against Scotland on Tuesday.



The ICC World Cup League-2 features Canada, the USA, the Netherlands, Scotland, Namibia, Oman, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Nepal. Currently, Nepal sits seventh in the standings, with three points from eight games, including just one win. Canada leads the table, followed by the US in second place, and Scotland in fourth.



Fans eagerly anticipate Nepal's performance as they aim to improve their standings in this crucial series.

Nepal set to face USA in ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League-2 opener

Kathmandu: In a stunning display of dominance, Nepal triumphed over the Maldives with an 11-0 victory in the SAFF Women's Championship match on Monday. The match, held at Dhasharath Stadium, marked Nepal's first win in the tournament.



Rekha Poudel was the standout performer, scoring an impressive five goals. Priti Rai contributed significantly with a hat-trick, while Sabita Rana Magar, Anita KC, and Amisa Karki each added one goal to the tally.



This decisive win places Nepal at the top of Group B with four points, following a goalless draw in their previous match on Friday. Bhutan also holds four points but sits in second place due to goal difference.



As the SAFF Championship progresses, India and Bangladesh are scheduled to face off at 5:30 PM on October 23.

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