Janakpur Bolts Win NPL Title with Thrilling Victory Over Sudurpaschim Royals

In a thrilling final at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Janakpur Bolts secured the Nepal Premier League (NPL) cricket title with a spectacular five-wicket win over Sudurpaschim Royals. The match, held on Saturday, saw Lahiru Milantha play a pivotal role with a match-winning knock of 87 runs off 49 balls, leading Janakpur to chase down a challenging 185-run target with four balls to spare.

Lahiru Milantha’s Stunning Performance

The NPL final turned out to be a one-man show as Lahiru Milantha showcased his batting prowess. Milantha’s innings, which included 9 fours and 4 sixes, was a masterclass in aggressive cricket. His half-century in just 31 balls was a sign of his brilliance, and he was fortunate to survive a crucial moment when Sudurpaschim Royals captain Dipendra Singh Airee dropped him on 65 during a caught-and-bowled opportunity. Milantha’s match-winning effort helped Janakpur Bolts chase down the target with ease, and he truly was the star player of the final.

Solid Opening Partnership Sets the Tone for Janakpur Bolts

The Janakpur Bolts innings got off to a blazing start, with openers Aasif Sheikh and Lahiru Milantha leading the charge. They added a quick 71 runs in the powerplay, with the team going on to post 105 runs in the first 10 overs. Aasif Sheikh, who contributed 33 runs off 19 balls, played a crucial supporting role in the opening partnership, hitting 4 fours and 2 sixes. The explosive start gave Janakpur the momentum they needed to reach their target.

Lower-order contributions from Harsh Thaker (30 off 24 balls) and Mayank Yadav (2 not out) sealed the win for Janakpur. The team finished the chase with four balls to spare, claiming the NPL title in a sensational fashion.

ALSO READ Sudurpaschim Royals Triumph Over Lumbini Lions by 45 Runs

Sudurpaschim Royals’ Challenge

Earlier, Sudurpaschim Royals set a competitive total of 184 runs after electing to bat first. Openers Saif Zaib and Binod Bhandari provided a strong foundation, with Zaib scoring a quick 69 runs off 43 balls, and Bhandari contributing 41 runs off 31 balls. Their partnership of 117 runs for the first wicket put Sudurpaschim in a strong position. However, the Janakpur Bolts’ bowlers stepped up when it mattered most. Kishore Mahato and Mohammad Mohsin were the standout bowlers for Janakpur, with Mahato taking 3 wickets for 25 runs, and Mohsin claiming 3 wickets for 40 runs.

While Saif Zaib and Binod Bhandari fought hard, Sudurpaschim’s middle order couldn’t capitalize on the strong start. Despite individual contributions, Sudurpaschim Royals fell short, setting 184 runs, a target that Janakpur Bolts successfully chased.

Sudurpaschim Royals’ Bowling Struggles

In the final, Sudurpaschim Royals’ bowlers struggled to contain the explosive Janakpur batting lineup. Captain Dipendra Singh Airee was the most economical of the lot, conceding 40 runs for a wicket in his 4 overs. However, the likes of Saif Zaib, Ishan Pandey, and Scott Kuggeleijn could not find breakthroughs at crucial moments, each claiming just one wicket.

Janakpur Bolts’ Resilience and Comeback

This victory marked a strong comeback for Janakpur Bolts, as they had lost to Sudurpaschim Royals twice earlier in the tournament. However, they showed immense resilience and teamwork in the final, showcasing their growth throughout the competition. With this win, Janakpur Bolts were crowned the NPL champions, adding another chapter to their success story in Nepal’s premier cricket league.

Conclusion: Janakpur Bolts are the NPL Champions!

With Lahiru Milantha’s heroics, the Janakpur Bolts lifted the coveted Nepal Premier League (NPL) title, securing a thrilling five-wicket victory over Sudurpaschim Royals. Their well-rounded performance, from explosive batting to tight bowling, was a testament to their dominance in the final. As champions of the 2024 Nepal Premier League, Janakpur Bolts have proven themselves as one of the strongest teams in the league.

ALSO READ Nepal Premier League Trophy Unveiled Ahead of Tournament Kickoff

This remarkable triumph adds to the growing popularity of the Nepal Premier League, and fans can look forward to more exciting cricket in the seasons to come.