Janakpur Secures Playoffs Spot with a Win over Kathmandu

Janakpur Bolts became the first team to qualify for the playoffs in the ongoing Nepal Premier League (NPL) after defeating Kathmandu Gurkhas by 5 wickets at the Tribhuvan International Cricket Ground in Kathmandu on Thursday, December 12.  

With five wins in six matches, the Bolts sit atop the points table, followed by Sudurpaschim Royals, who have won four out of their five games. Despite having one match left against Chitwan Rhinos, the Bolts, with 10 points, are assured a playoff spot regardless of the outcome.

The tournament follows a round-robin format where each team plays every other team once. In the playoffs, the top two teams will face off, with the winner advancing directly to the final. The loser will get a second chance to qualify for the final by playing the winner of the eliminator match between the 3rd and 4th-placed teams.  

On Thursday, the Gurkhas opted to bat first after winning the toss but managed only 101 runs in 19.3 overs. The Bolts comfortably chased the target in 15.5 overs with 5 wickets in hand.  

(Screengrab via Youtube)

James Neesham contributed the highest score for Janakpur with 27 runs, while Harsh Thaker’s 25 and Mohammad Mohsin unbeaten 13 to seal the victory. For the Gurkhas, Karan KC took two wickets, while Shahab Alam, Dipesh Kandel, and Gerhard Erasmus claimed one wicket each.  

For the Gurkhas, Gerhard Erasmus (20), captain Karan KC (19), and Stephen Eskinazi (17) were the only batters to reach double digits. The rest struggled against Janakpur’s spinners, who dominated the game. Lalit Rajbanshi and Sher Malla each took three wickets, while Mohammad Mohsin claimed two. Kishore Mahato and Arniko Yadav chipped in with one wicket each.  

Lalit Rajbanshi was named Player of the Match for his exceptional spell, conceding just 8 runs in 4 overs while taking 3 wickets.  

Kathmandu Gurkhas, with four points from five matches, stand fifth in the table due to a better net run rate than Pokhara Avengers. Earlier in the day, the Avengers defeated the Biratnagar Kings in a thrilling super-over finish.  

Lumbini Lions were eliminated from the tournament on Wednesday after an 18-run defeat to the Gurkhas.  

On Friday, December 13, Lumbini Lions will face Karnali Yaks in the day’s first match, followed by Chitwan Rhinos taking on Biratnagar Kings. Karnali, currently fourth with six points, will aim to surpass Chitwan, who holds third place with the same points but a superior net run rate.  

Meanwhile, a loss for Biratnagar Kings will end their playoff hopes.