Janakpur Bolts have been crowned champions of the inaugural Nepal Premier League after securing a five-wicket win over Sudurpaschim Royals on Saturday at a packed TU International Cricket Ground. In a one-sided chase, Janakpur Bolts achieved the highest-ever total in franchise league final history in Nepal, chasing down 185 runs with five balls to spare.
Sudurpaschim Royals Set a Challenging Target
Electing to bat first, Sudurpaschim Royals got off to a blistering start with a 117-run opening partnership between Saif Zaib and Binod Bhandari. Zaib scored a brilliant 69 off 43 balls, including eight boundaries and two sixes, while Bhandari contributed a solid 41 off 31 balls with three sixes and a boundary.
However, once Kishore Mahato dismissed Zaib in the 12th over and Lalit Rajbanshi bowled Bhandari in the next, the Royals’ middle and lower order failed to capitalize, leaving them at 185 runs despite a strong start.
Kishore Mahato and Mohammad Mohsin were the standout bowlers for Janakpur, each claiming three wickets. Kishore was economical with figures of 4-0-25-3, while Mohsin conceded 40 runs in his four overs. James Neesham and Lalit Rajbanshi also chipped in with a wicket apiece.
Lahiru Milantha Stars in Janakpur’s Record Chase
Janakpur Bolts gained the upper hand early in the chase, amassing 71 runs in the powerplay without losing a wicket. Asif Sheikh contributed a quickfire 33 off 19 balls in a 73-run opening stand with Lahiru Milantha. Lahiru played a match-winning knock, scoring 87 off 49 balls with nine boundaries and four sixes, and emerged as the tournament’s leading run-scorer.
A crucial moment came when Lahiru, on 65, was dropped by Sudurpaschim Royals’ captain, allowing Janakpur to maintain their momentum. Harsh Thaker anchored the chase with an unbeaten 30 off 24 balls, ensuring Janakpur crossed the finish line with five balls remaining.
Bowling Struggles for Sudurpaschim Royals
The Royals used eight bowlers in an attempt to defend their total, but none managed to produce a match-winning spell. Ishan Pandey, Saif Zaib, and Scott Kuggeleijn picked up a wicket each, but the bowling unit couldn’t contain Janakpur’s aggressive batting.
Janakpur Bolts remarkable chase sealed their place in history as the first-ever Nepal Premier League champions, with Lahiru Milantha’s outstanding performance leading the way.
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