In a gripping Qualifier 2 of the Nepal Premier League 2024, the Janakpur Bolts held their nerve to secure a hard-fought two-wicket victory over Karnali Yaks at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, earning their spot in the tournament’s grand finale.
Opting to bat first, Karnali Yaks managed 118 for 9 in their 20 overs. Opener Dev Khanal provided a brisk start with 24 runs off 20 balls, while Gulshan Jha played a steady knock of 25 off 20. William Bosisto contributed 14 runs off 15 balls, while Zeeshan Maqsood and Chadwick Walton chipped in with 12 and 11 runs, respectively. Unish Thakuri, batting at No. 8, added 12 vital runs off 17 balls, including two boundaries, to take the team to a modest total.
Janakpur Bolts’ bowlers were clinical, led by Mohammad Mohsin, who took 2 for 14 in his four overs. Lalit Rajbanshi (2/22) and Kiwi all-rounder James Neesham (2/30) also made crucial breakthroughs to restrict the opposition.
Chasing 119, Janakpur’s top-order faltered under pressure. Shubh Kansakar (3), Aasif Sheikh (4), and Lahiru Milantha (2) fell cheaply inside the powerplay. At 12 overs, Janakpur were struggling at 58 for 5.
However, James Neesham turned the game with a sensational counter-attack, smashing five sixes and two boundaries in a whirlwind knock of 45 off just 17 balls. Harsh Thaker contributed a steady 17, helping Janakpur cross the 100-run mark in 16.4 overs.
As the tension mounted, Sher Malla played a vital cameo of 16 runs off 10 balls, guiding the Bolts to victory with six balls to spare.
Related stories
Karnali Yaks refute sale rumors
Nepal Premier League: Cricnepal’s Team of the Tournament
Janakpur Bolts win inaugural Nepal Premier League title
Nepal Premier League Final: Excitement Builds for the Grand Showdown!
Kushal Malla’s all-round brilliance propels Chitwan to 32-run victory over Janakpur
