Janakpur Bolts secured their place in the Nepal Premier League final after a narrow two-wicket win over Karnali Yaks in a thriller at the second qualifier on Thursday at TU International Cricket Ground. Janakpur will now face Sudurpaschim Royals in the competition final on Saturday, marking the third encounter between these two teams this season, with Sudurpaschim winning both prior matches.
Teams Make Tactical Adjustments
Janakpur elected to field first after winning the toss, making one change to their lineup by bringing in Mayan Yadav, an injury replacement for Rupesh Singh, instead of Arniko Yadav. Karnali Yaks also made one change, dropping Rit Gautam in favour of Unish Thakuri, which saw Dev Khanal opening alongside Jayakisan Kolsawala.
Karnali’s Struggles with the Bat
Kolsawala, who scored a match-winning fifty in the eliminator against Chitwan Rhinos, fell early to Lalit Rajbanshi in the second over for just one run. Dev Khanal played some elegant shots, including a six over covers, to stabilize the innings with a 24-run contribution before getting caught by Akash Tripathi while attempting a pull shot.
There were no significant partnerships or contributions from the rest of the batters, except Gulshan Jha, who scored 25 runs off 20 balls with one boundary and two sixes, stepping out against Jimmy Neesham and Kishore Mahato. Jha’s effort helped Karnali reach a fighting total of 118 runs.
Lalit Rajbanshi Shines with the Ball
Lalit Rajbanshi continued his stellar form, claiming two wickets with figures of 4-0-22-2. James Neesham and Mohammad Mohsin also picked up two wickets each, with Mohsin delivering a highly economical spell, conceding just 14 runs and bowling one maiden over. Additionally, Sher Malla and Harsh Thaker chipped in with a wicket each.
Janakpur’s Challenging Chase
Janakpur Bolts faced early setbacks in their chase, losing their top three batters within the first five overs. Sent to open alongside Asif Sheikh, Subh Kansakar could only manage three runs, while Lahiru Milantha fell cheaply for two. The opening pair collectively added just seven runs in the chase.
James Neesham Turns the Game Around
A 25-run partnership between Harsh Thaker and Akash Tripathi provided some stability before James Neesham entered at a critical juncture, with Janakpur needing 78 runs from the final 10 overs and six wickets in hand. Neesham wasted no time, smashing five sixes and two boundaries in a blistering 17-ball 45. His explosive innings turned the game in Janakpur’s favour before he chopped onto a delivery from Bipin Sharma.
Sher Malla’s Finishing Touch
With 14 runs required off the last two overs, Nandan Yadav bowled the 19th over but was dispatched for a straight six by Sher Malla, shifting momentum decisively towards Janakpur. Malla sealed the game with a crucial two runs on the final ball of the over, guiding Janakpur to a two-wicket victory.
Bipin Sharma Impresses for Karnali
Karnali Yaks talent hunt pick, Bipin Sharma, continued to impress, claiming three wickets for just 17 runs. Zeeshan Maqsood, William Bosisto, and Sompal Kami also contributed with a wicket apiece.
Janakpur Bolts will now face Sudurpaschim Royals in the inaugural final of the Nepal Premier League on Saturday at TU International Cricket Ground, starting at 12 PM NPT.
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