Janakpur Bolts registered their second consecutive win in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) with a commanding 8-wicket victory over Karnali Yaks on Monday, December 2, 2024, at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, Kathmandu.
The Bolts chased down the target of 142 runs in just 15.1 overs. Skipper Anil Sah anchored the chase with an unbeaten 62 off 42 balls, supported by opener Aasif Sheikh, who contributed 36 off 29. The duo laid a solid foundation with an 84-run opening stand, punishing the Yaks’ bowlers with a flurry of boundaries, including eight fours and five sixes. Sah was declared the player of the match.
After Sheikh's departure, Lahiru Milantha maintained the momentum, smashing 24 runs off 13 deliveries, including two sixes and two fours. New Zealander James Neesham, despite conceding 21 runs in his final bowling over, delivered a quickfire 16 off 8 balls, sealing the win with a towering six.
The Yaks’ bowlers struggled, with Nandan Yadav conceding 16 runs in his only over, while Sompal Kami and Gulsan Jha ended with expensive economies of 11 and 9, respectively.
Earlier, Karnali Yaks opted to bat first but faltered at the top. Star opener Shikhar Dhawan managed only 14 runs off 14 balls, and international recruits Chadwick Walton, Babar Hayat, and Zeeshan Maqsood also failed to make significant contributions.
National players Gulsan Jha (36 off 27), Arjun Gharti, and Sompal Kami salvaged the innings, with Gharti and Kami adding a remarkable 43 runs in the last two overs to push the total to 141 with the loss of 7 wickets.
The Bolts' bowlers, particularly the spinners, had an impressive performance. Janakpur started the NPL campaign with a win over Biratnagar Kings in the inaugural match on Saturday, November 1.
Earlier on Monday, Chitwan Rhinos defeated Kathmandu Gurkhas by five wickets.
Tuesday will also feature a double header. Sudurpaschim Royals will take on Biratnagar Kings in the first match, beginning 9:15 AM local time, followed by Chitwan Rhinos facing Pokhara Avengers at 1:15 PM.
Click here for more news related to NPL.
