KATHMANDU: Biratnagar Kings clinched a tense 9-run victory over defending champions Janakpur Bolts in a last-over thriller in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) Season 2 on Monday, with standout death-overs bowling from Sandeep Lamichhane and Marchant de Lange sealing the win at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
Sent in to bat after losing the toss, Biratnagar put up 135 runs for seven wickets in their 20 overs. Shubham Ranjan anchored the innings with a composed 38, while Basir Ahmad added 35 and Lokesh Bam chipped in with 28. Janakpur relied heavily on spin throughout the innings, operating spinners until the 16th over. Rupesh Singh was the most economical, taking two wickets for just 12 runs, while Sangeeth Cooray also picked up two for 26. Aaditya Mahat claimed one wicket.
Chasing a target of 136, Janakpur fell short by finishing on 126 for nine, struggling to build momentum despite a steady start. Biratnagar’s bowling attack tightened its grip in the second half, with captain Lamichhane delivering the breakthrough wickets of opener Lahiru Milantha and skipper Anil Shah. He finished with an impressive four-wicket haul.
Suryata Tamang supported with key dismissals of opener Aasif Sheikh and Sanjay Krishnamurthy. De Lange and Ranjan picked up one wicket each, with the South African pacer holding his nerve in the final over to shut down Janakpur’s hopes of a late surge.
The win marks Biratnagar’s third consecutive triumph of the season, following victories over Kathmandu Gorkhas and Pokhara Avengers. Janakpur, meanwhile, remain winless after losing their opening match to Kathmandu.
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