Janakpur Bolts defeated the Lumbini Lions by a solitary run to maintain their perfect record in the Nepal Premier League. This victory marked their fourth consecutive win, while Lumbini Lions suffered their second close loss of the tournament, following a two-wicket defeat to Biratnagar Kings in their opening game.
Put into bat for the first time in the competition, Janakpur Bolts managed 136/9 in their 20 overs. The Lions made the chase look like an uphill battle, ultimately falling just short of the target.
Bolts Innings: Sah and Kansakar Shine Amidst Collapse
Skipper Anil Sah led the charge for the Bolts, scoring a crucial 45 off 39 balls, which included a boundary and four sixes. Partnered by Asif Sheikh, the pair stitched a 48-run opening stand before Asif departed for 16, caught at mid-off.
However, Sah’s dismissal to part-time spinner Sundeep Jora triggered a middle-order collapse. The Bolts lost five wickets for just 15 runs, including three in a single over from left-arm spinner Abhishesh Gautam, who ended with figures of 3/20 in four overs.
Subh Kansakar’s unbeaten 22 off 24 balls, laced with two sixes, provided a late push to help the Bolts reach a competitive total. Lumbini Lions captain Rohit Paudel and Canadian spinner Saad Bin Zafar also picked up two wickets each.
Lions Chase: Paudel and Moores Fight but Fall Short
Lumbini’s chase faltered early as the opening pair of Arjun Saud (20) and Ashutosh Ghiraiya (8) failed to provide a strong start. Skipper Rohit Paudel (35 off 38) and Tom Moores (31 off 23) tried to rebuild but lacked support from the lower middle order.
Despite needing just 26 runs from the final four overs with seven wickets in hand, the Lions finishers faltered. Big hitters Ben Cutting (3) and Bibek Yadav (0) were dismissed cheaply, leaving their team in a precarious position.
Harsh Thaker’s Last-Over Heroics
Defending nine runs in the final over, Canadian all-rounder Harsh Thaker delivered under pressure. He picked up two key wickets, his compatriot Saad Bin Zafar and Sundeep Jora, and conceded only seven runs. Thaker finished with a sensational 5/23, marking the third five-wicket haul of the tournament after Sohail Tanveer and Naren Saud.
Playoff Picture
Janakpur Bolts are on the verge of securing a playoff spot with their unbeaten run, while Lumbini Lionshopes of progressing appear slim with consecutive losses in tightly contested matches.
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