KATHMANDU: Janakpur Bolts have been crowned the first champions of the Nepal Premier League, defeating Sudurpaschim Royals by 5 wickets at the TU Cricket Ground.
The Royals, after winning the toss and opting to bat, started explosively with openers Binod Bhandari and Saif Zaib.
The duo put up 28 runs in the first two overs and continued their assault, building a 117-run partnership in just 72 balls.
Zaib led the charge with a blistering 69 off 43 balls, while Bhandari contributed a quick 41 off 31 deliveries.
However, the Bolts staged a remarkable comeback as the momentum shifted when both openers were dismissed in quick succession.
Lalit Rajbanshi delivered an exceptional performance, conceding only 15 runs and picking up a wicket in his four overs.
Kishor Mahato and Mohammad Moshin each took three crucial wickets, restricting the Royals’ middle order. This meant, the Royals, who had hoped to post a total over 200, were limited to 184 runs in their 20 overs.
In reply, the Bolts began their chase with confidence, thanks to openers Lahiru Milantha and marquee Aasif Sheikh.
The pair took on the Royals’ bowlers during the powerplay, amassing 71 runs in the first six overs. Their partnership of 73 runs provided the Bolts with a solid foundation.
Milantha continued his dominance, scoring a 31-ball half-century, and was dropped on 66 by Airee. That drop proved costly as Milantha went on to score 87 runs off 49 balls, steering the Bolts closer to victory.
Harsh Thaker also contributed with a solid 30 runs, forming a crucial 61-run partnership with Milantha, ultimately taking the Bolts across the line as the Royals’ bowlers faltered under pressure.
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