Three weeks after launching their Nepal Premier League (NPL) campaign with a commanding win against the Biratnagar Kings in the tournament opener, the Janakpur Bolts secured the championship title on Saturday, December 21.
In a thrilling final, the Bolts showcased their batting prowess, defeating the Sudurpaschim Royals by five wickets. The victory earned them the NPL trophy and a cash prize of Rs 11 million, capping off an exciting season in Nepal's premier cricket league.
Opening batsman Lahiru Milantha led the charge with a stunning 87 off 49 balls, including nine fours and four sixes. His fiery innings set the foundation for Janakpur's successful chase of the 185-run target in just 19.2 overs.
Skipper Aasif Sheikh provided valuable support with a quickfire 33 off 19 balls, while middle-order batsman Harsh Thaker ensured a composed finish, contributing 30 runs off 24 balls.
For the Sudurpaschim Royals, bowlers Saif Zaib, Ishan Pandey, Dipendra Singh Airee, and Scott Kuggeleijn claimed one wicket each.
Earlier, the Royals started strong with an impressive 117-run opening partnership between Saif Zaib (69 off 43 balls) and Binod Bhandari (41 off 31 balls) in 12 overs. However, the middle and lower order faltered. Brandon McMullen and Harmeet Singh added 14 runs each, while Scott Kuggeleijn chipped in with 13 to help the Royals post a total of 184 for nine.
The Bolts' bowling attack was spearheaded by Kishore Mahato and Mohammad Mohsin, who claimed three wickets each. James Neesham and Lalit Rajbanshi contributed with one wicket apiece.
Lahiru Milantha was named Player of the Match for his explosive batting performance.
Award Winners and Highlights
Runner-Up: Sudurpaschim Royals took home Rs 5.1 million.
Third Place: Karnali Yaks received Rs 2.5 million.
Fourth Place: Chitwan Rhinos earned Rs 1.5 million.
Special Awards
Emerging Player of the Tournament: Karnali Yaks' 16-year-old Bipin Sharma, who took 13 wickets, was awarded an educational scholarship worth Rs 1 million and Rs 50,000 in cash.
Ballistic Bowler of the Tournament: Lalit Rajbanshi (Janakpur Bolts), who took 17 wickets—the most in the tournament—won a motorcycle.
Electrifying Player of the Tournament: Despite the loss in the final, Sudurpaschim Royals’ skipper Dipendra Singh Airee earned the title for scoring 227 runs, taking eight wickets, grabbing three catches, and executing seven run-outs. He was awarded a car.
Player of the Tournament: Saif Zaib (Sudurpaschim Royals), who scored 275 runs and took 12 wickets, was honored with Rs 500,000 in cash.
Fair Play Award: Lumbini Lions received this honor
Most Fours Award: Lahiru Milantha (Janakpur Bolts) was awarded Rs 200,000 for hitting 35 fours, the most in the tournament.
Energetic Player of the Tournament: Kiwi all-rounder James Neesham (Janakpur Bolts) was recognized for his stellar strike rate and instrumental role in Janakpur’s campaign, earning Rs 200,000.
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