Janakpur Bolts defeated Biratnagar Kings by 8 wickets in the inaugural match of the Nepal Premier League on Saturday at the packed TU International Cricket Ground. Despite all tickets being sold out, many fans with tickets were unable to attend the match due to the venue’s limited capacity. The Cricket Association of Nepal later issued a notice offering ticket holders a refund.
After losing the toss, Biratnagar Kings were asked to bat first and posted 127 runs in 19 overs. In response, Janakpur comfortably chased down the target in 15.3 overs. Martin Guptill (55) and Aqib Ilyas (15) were the only batters to score in double digits for the Kings.
Guptill made history by becoming the first batter to hit both a six and a fifty in the tournament. His innings featured 7 boundaries and a maximum. After his dismissal, the remaining batters could only add 31 runs for the last six wickets.
Janakpur’s spin department was dominant, with 6 out of the 10 wickets falling to spinners. Lalit Rajbanshi led the charge with figures of 3/28, well supported by Harsh Thaker (2/22) and Mohammad Mohsin (1/20). Kishore Mahato led the pace attack, taking 2 wickets while conceding just 18 runs.
In the chase, Janakpur faced early setbacks, losing openers Asif Sheikh (0) and Anil Sah (5) cheaply. However, Player of the Match Lahiru Milantha (75) and Harsh Thaker (29) stitched a century partnership to guide the Bolts to victory. Lahiru smashed 9 boundaries and 3 maximums in the chase.
Biratnagar Kings’ bowling appeared below par, with the bowlers sending down 14 wides in the second innings. Chris Sole and Pratish GC each took a wicket for the Kings, while skipper Sandeep Lamichhane went wicketless, conceding 30 runs in his four overs. Jitendra Mukhiya, who had gone for only 12 runs in his two overs, was not asked to bowl further. Additionally, one of their main spinners, Anil Kharel, was only given an over, which went for 11 runs.
Janakpur Bolts will next face Karnali Yaks on Monday, while Biratnagar Kings will play Sudurpaschim Royals on Tuesday.
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