Sudurpaschim Royals claimed the top spot on the points table with a comprehensive 72-run victory over Janakpur Bolts in the NPL, marking the Bolts’ first defeat in the competition. Despite managing just 123/9 after being put into bat, the Royals delivered an outstanding bowling performance to bundle out Janakpur for a mere 51 runs in 12.1 overs.
Steady Start Followed by a Middle-Order Collapse
The Royals began steadily with Saif Zaib and Binod Bhandari opening the innings. The duo added 50 runs for the first wicket before Zaib fell to Harsh Thaker in the 8th over. Zaib scored a run-a-ball 21, including two sixes.
USA all-rounder Harmeet Singh, who recently joined the Royals, was promoted to number three but could only manage 1 before being bowled by Sher Malla. The collapse began soon after when Bhandari, who had anchored the innings with a 37-ball 33 (three fours and one six), was dismissed, leaving the Royals at 75/3 in the 12th over.
The middle order offered little resistance. Dipendra Singh Airee fell for a golden duck, while Brendon McMullen managed only 11 runs without hitting a boundary. Only Ishan Pandey reached double figures among the lower order, contributing a 14-ball 17, including a six and a boundary.
Janakpur Bowlers Shine, Led by Kishore Mahato
Kishore Mahato was the star bowler for Janakpur, claiming four wickets in his last two overs, finishing with figures of 4-0-35-4. Sher Malla and Arniko Yadav picked up two wickets each, while Harsh Thaker chipped in with one.
Janakpur’s Batting Lineup Crumbles
In response, Janakpur had a nightmarish start, losing skipper Anil Sah for a duck in the second over to Saif Zaib. The collapse worsened as Janakpur reeled at 37/5 by the end of the powerplay.
Joshua Tromp (13) was the only batter to reach double digits, as the rest of the lineup crumbled under relentless pressure. Even with 13 runs coming in extras, Janakpur could muster only 51 runs.
Royals Bowlers Seal the Deal
Sudurpaschim’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Harmeet Singh, Dipendra Singh Airee, and Ishan Pandey claiming two wickets each. Saif Zaib, Naren Saud, and Scott Kuggeleijn picked up one wicket apiece, rounding off a clinical bowling performance.
Points Table Update
Both teams now have four wins and one loss from five matches. However, Sudurpaschim Royals sit at the top of the table, thanks to their superior Net Run Rate (NRR), while Janakpur Bolts occupy the second position. Both teams remain strong contenders for the top two spots in the competition.
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