Janakpur Bolts won the inaugural Nepal Premiere League (NPL) title, defeating the Sudurpaschim Royals by five wickets with 4 balls remaining in the final at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, on December 21.
Sudurpaschim Royals posted a strong total of 184 for 9 after choosing to bat first. Opener Saif Zaib played a remarkable innings, scoring 69 off 43 balls, while Binod Bhandari contributed a steady 41 off 31 balls.
The duo built a solid foundation with a 117-run opening partnership. However, Janakpur Bolts’ bowlers Kishore Mahato (3/25) and Mohammad Mohsin (3/40) staged an impressive comeback, restricting Sudurpaschim’s middle order and preventing a bigger score.
Lahiru Milantha’s explosive knock of 87 off 49 balls powered Janakpur Bolts to chase down a challenging 185-run target. Milantha, supported by opener Aasif Sheikh’s quick 33 off 19, set a dominant tone with 71 runs in the powerplay.
Despite a missed catch by Sudurpaschim’s captain Dipendra Singh Airee off his own bowling, Milantha capitalized with 9 fours and 4 sixes. Harsh Thaker held one end with an unbeaten 30 runs while wickets tumbled at the other end, however, Mayank Yadav made sure there’s no more drama and hit the winning runs at the last over and secured the win.
Lahiru Milantha was named Player of the Match for his outstanding knock of 87 off 49 balls and Saif Zaib was adjudged Player of the tournament.
Earlier in the tournament, the Royals dominated the clashes between the two teams, winning both encounters.
Related stories
Nepal Premier League Final: Excitement Builds for the Grand Showdown!
Janakpur edge past Karnali in a nail-biting contest to reach Final
Kushal Malla’s all-round brilliance propels Chitwan to 32-run victory over Janakpur
Janakpur Triumph in a Thrilling One-Run Victory Over Lumbini
Anil Sah’s unbeaten 62 guide Janakpur to Eight-wicket win over Karnali
