The Janakpur Bolts won the NPL for the second time in a row
Fueled by outstanding performances from Anil Sah and Aasif Sheikh, the Janakpur Bolts secured their second consecutive win in the Nepal Premier League (NPL), overcoming the Karnali Yaks by eight wickets at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Monday.
Pursuing a goal of 142 runs, Janakpur achieved it in only 15.1 overs. Their bold beginning resulted in 55 runs during the powerplay and 85 runs by the 10th over, establishing a strong base for their victory.
Aasif Sheikh scored 36 runs off 29 balls before being out by Mausam Dhakal in the 10th over. Anil Sah finished without a loss, hitting an impressive 62 from 42 balls, with six fours and three sixes. Sah reached his fifty with a direct six against Zeeshan Maqsood. Lahiru Milantha contributed 24 runs from 13 balls, whereas Jimmy Neesham ended with 16 not out off eight deliveries.
Previously, Karnali Yaks made 141 runs for 7 wickets in their designated 20 overs. Arjun Gharti and Sompal Kami’s late efforts contributed 43 runs in the last two overs. Gharti made 33 runs off 22 balls before being run out, and Kami hit an unbeaten 29 off 13 balls.
Mohammad Mohsin bowled brilliantly for Janakpur, claiming two wickets while conceding only 14 runs in his four overs. Lalit Rajbanshi, Kishore Mahato, and Harsh Thaker each claimed a wicket.
Gulsan Jha anchored the Karnali innings, leading the scoring with 36 runs from 27 balls. Indian star batsman Shikhar Dhawan, in his NPL debut, was out for 14 runs from 14 balls.
Janakpur’s decisive win solidifies their impressive beginning in the NPL season, while Karnali Yaks must handle the pressure to bounce back following back-to-back losses.
Janakpur triumphed over Biratnagar Kings by 8 wickets in the first match held on Saturday.
