Kathmandu Gurkhas’ poor batting form continued in the Nepal Premier League, resulting in their third defeat, this time by five wickets at the hands of Janakpur Bolts. Electing to bat first, the Gurkhas managed a mere 101 runs, which the Bolts chased down with 25 balls to spare.
Gurkhas Top Order Falters Again
Except for captain Karan KC, none of the other Gurkhas batters managed a double-digit score with a strike rate over 100. They were off to a decent start, reaching 35 runs by the end of the powerplay, with the losses of Michael Levitt (17) and Bhim Sharki (4).
However, immediately after the powerplay, the Gurkhas lost two wickets in the 7th over. Stephen Eskinazi was trapped LBW for 17 runs, while Sumit Maharjan was caught by Bolts skipper Anil Sah, leaving the Gurkhas at 35/4. Gerhard Erasmus (20 off 22 balls) tried to accelerate the innings but fell to spinner Mohammad Mohsin. Karan KC (19) hit one six and two boundaries in the final overs to help the Gurkhas reach a total of 101.
Janakpur Bolts Bowlers Dominate
Lalit Rajbanshi was outstanding with the ball, returning figures of 4-2-8-3, while Sher Malla was equally brilliant with three wickets for 11 runs. Mohammad Mohsin took two wickets, and Arniko Yadav and Kishore Mahato chipped in with a wicket each.
Bolts Fight Back After Early Wickets
Janakpur Bolts began their chase with a change in the opening pair, sending Lahiru Milantha to open with Asif Sheikh, while captain Anil Sah came in at number three. Karan KC gave the Gurkhas a perfect start, picking up both openers’ wickets in the fourth over.
Asif Sheikh was dismissed off a brilliant catch by Gerhard Erasmus for 2 runs, and
Milantha was caught by sub fielder Raju Rijal for 16 runs off 20 balls. Dipesh Kandel then trapped skipper Anil Sah LBW for 11 runs, leaving the Bolts at 37/3 with Harsh Thaker and Subh Kansakar at the crease.
Neesham Powers Bolts to Victory
Karan KC brought in left-arm spinner Shahab Alam to attack both right-handers, and Alam claimed the wicket of Subh, bringing big hitter Jimmy Neesham to the crease. Neesham hit a quickfire 27 from 17 balls, including a boundary and three sixes, shifting the momentum in the Bolts’ favour.
Mohammad Mohsin and Harsh Thaker then sealed the victory, hitting four boundaries in the 16th over. Thaker remained unbeaten on 25 off 25 balls, while Mohsin finished not out on 13 from 7 balls.
Gurkhas Bowling Efforts Fall Short
Karan KC was the pick of the bowlers for the Gurkhas, returning figures of 3-0-10-2. Dipesh Kandel, Shahab Alam, and Gerhard Erasmus each took a wicket. Despite Rashid Khan’s presence as a medium pacer, he did not bowl a single over.
Bolts Move to Top of the Table, Gurkhas Face Must-Win Games
With this win, Janakpur Bolts moved to the top of the table with five wins, securing a guaranteed spot in the top four. Kathmandu Gurkhas, however, remain at number five and now face two must-win games to keep their playoff hopes alive.
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