Nepal Premier League: Cricnepal's Team of the Tournament

The first-ever edition of Nepal Premier League (NPL) concluded on December 21 after an exciting 22 days of action-packed cricket. Janakpur Bolts emerged as the champions of the first season defeating Sudurpaschim Royals in the final.

Cricnepal.com presents the NPL Team of the Tournament, selected based on player statistics and their impact throughout the competition. The team features four foreign players (marked with *) and seven Nepali players.

Cricnepal’s NPL team of the tournament:

1. Saif Zaib *

Matches – 9, Runs – 275, Strike Rate – 136.13, Wickets – 12, Economy – 6.24

Saif Zaib delivered an outstanding performance throughout the tournament and was deservedly named the Player of the Tournament. The talented left-hander from England amassed 275 runs, including two half-centuries, and contributed significantly with the ball, taking 12 wickets at an impressive economy rate.

2. Binod Bhandari (WK)

Matches – 9, Runs – 235, Average – 29.37, S.R – 110.32, Dismissals – 4

Binod Bhandari had a solid tournament, scoring 235 runs, including a half-century, and consistently providing the Sudurpaschim Royals with strong starts alongside Zaib. Although his strike rate was slightly on the lower side, he maintained a commendable average of 29.37. He was involved in four dismissals (1 ct. and 3 stumpings) behind the stumps.

Sudurpaschim Royals’ opening duo – Binod Bhandari and Saif Zaib

3. Ravi Bopara *

Matches – 8, Runs – 286, Average – 40.85, S.R – 135.54, Half-centuries – 3

England’s experienced 39-year-old all-rounder had an exceptional tournament for Chitwan, delivering consistent performances throughout. He ended as the second-highest run-scorer until Milantha’s 87-run knock in the final surpassed him. Bopara showcased his class with three half-centuries—the most in the tournament—maintaining a strike rate of 135.54 and an impressive average of 40.85.

4. Rohit Paudel

Matches – 7, Runs – 279, Average – 39.85, Wickets – 8, Economy – 5.63

Lumbini’s captain, Rohit, delivered an outstanding all-round performance in the tournament, excelling with both bat and ball. Despite his team missing out on the playoffs, he finished as the third-highest run-scorer of the competition. Rohit also impressed with the ball, claiming eight wickets at a healthy economy. Notably, his knock of 95 runs set the record for the highest individual score by a Nepali batter.

5. Kushal Malla

Matches – 8, Runs – 223, Average – 27.87, Wickets – 9, Economy, 6.53

Kushal Malla played a key role in leading his team to the playoffs with commendable all-round performances. He scored 223 runs and took nine wickets, showcasing his value with both bat and ball. However, his batting strike rate of 121.19 was slightly lower than expected given his attacking style.

6. James Neesham *

Matches – 9, Runs – 247, S.R – 196.03, Average – 35.28, Wickets – 7

James Neesham was instrumental in Janakpur’s title triumph. He was an absolute crowd entertainer with his fiery knocks. His impactful performances earned him the Energetic Player of the Tournament award. Neesham finished with a blistering strike rate of 196—the highest in the competition—and topped the charts for the most sixes, smashing an incredible 30.

7. Dipendra Singh Airee (C)

Matches – 9, Runs – 227, Average – 37.83, S.R – 160.99, Wickets – 9

Sudurpaschim’s captain, DS Airee, led his team impressively, though the Royals fell short of securing the title despite their dominance throughout the tournament. Airee was honoured as the Best Nepali Player of the Tournament, making history as the first cricketer in Nepal to receive a car as an award. He contributed 227 runs at a solid strike rate, took nine wickets, and showcased his sharp fielding skills by effecting multiple run-outs with his quick reflexes.

8. Scott Kuggeleijn *

Matches – 9, Wickets – 17, Average – 12.35, Economy – 7.28, Bowling Strike Rate – 10.17

Scott Kuggeleijn emerged as the tournament’s joint-highest wicket-taker, showcasing his prowess with 17 scalps at an outstanding bowling strike rate of 10.17. The Kiwi pacer was among the five bowlers to claim a five-wicket haul in the competition. His knack for breaking partnerships at crucial moments kept Sudurpaschim competitive throughout the tournament.

9. Rijan Dhakal

Matches – 8, Wickets – 13, Average – 17.84, Economy – 8.04, Bowling S.R – 13.30

Rijan Dhakal delivered an impressive performance, taking 13 wickets in eight matches. The left-arm pacer was particularly lethal in the opening overs, forming a formidable partnership with Sohail Tanveer to put early pressure on opponents. Dhakal’s consistency was a key factor in Chitwan’s success throughout the tournament.

10. Lalit Rajbanshi

Matches – 10, Wickets – 17, Average – 12.52, Economy – 5.32, Bowling S.R – 14.11

Lalit Rajbanshi once again had an outstanding domestic league campaign, finishing as the joint-highest wicket-taker with 17 wickets. His exceptional performances earned him the Best Bowler of the Tournament award and received a motorcycle. Lalit’s consistent and impactful bowling played a pivotal role in Janakpur’s title victory. Notably, he maintained a superb economy rate and went wicketless in just one match throughout the tournament

11. Bipin Sharma

Matches – 8, Wickets – 13, Average – 13.15, Economy – 5.89, Bowling S.R – 13.38

Bipin Sharma is a name that will be etched in the memories of Nepali cricket fans for years to come. Discovered through the tournament’s talent hunt, the young left-arm orthodox bowler had a remarkable campaign with the Karnali Yaks. He claimed 13 wickets in just eight matches, maintaining an excellent economy rate which helped him win the Emerging Player of the tournament. Sharma took at least one wicket in every game, including scalps of big international names like Neesham, Guptill, and Gous.

12th and 13th man – Lahiru Milantha* and Kishore Mahato (Both Janakpur Bolts players) are the 12th and 13th players in Cricnepal’s Team of the Tournament, having made significant contributions to Janakpur’s journey to the title. Milantha, who played 10 matches, scored 293 runs, finishing as the tournament’s highest run-scorer. Meanwhile, Mahato took 14 wickets, playing a key role with the ball.