Janakpur Bolts continued their impressive form in the ongoing Nepal Premier League (NPL) with a commanding seven-wicket victory over Pokhara Avengers at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Thursday. This win marked Janakpur’s third consecutive victory, further solidifying their position as one of the tournament’s top contenders.
Janakpur Bolts’ Chasing Brilliance
After being set a modest target of 139 runs, Janakpur Bolts showcased their batting prowess, reaching the target in just 17.1 overs with the loss of only three wickets. Opening batsman Lahiru Milantha led the charge, delivering an explosive performance of 45 runs off 32 balls, featuring eight well-struck boundaries. Milantha’s innings was critical in setting a strong foundation for Janakpur’s chase.
Aasif Sheikh played a steady role, scoring 33 runs off 34 balls, ensuring that Janakpur maintained their momentum throughout the innings. James Neesham and Harsh Thaker finished the game unbeaten with 40 and 13 runs, respectively, sealing the win comfortably for Janakpur.
Key Performers in Janakpur’s Innings:
- Lahiru Milantha: 45 runs off 32 balls
- Aasif Sheikh: 33 runs off 34 balls
- James Neesham: 40* off 27 balls
Pokhara Avengers’ Batting Struggles
Earlier, Pokhara Avengers, opting to bat first, faced a series of setbacks that restricted them to a score of 138/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Matthew Cross was the standout performer for Pokhara, scoring 35 runs off 30 balls, which included three fours and a six. However, he was dismissed after being caught off the bowling of Lalit Rajbanshi.
Michael Leask made a brief but impactful contribution of 25 runs off just 12 balls before being dismissed by Kishore Mahato. Despite some flashes of brilliance, the Pokhara innings lacked consistency, with the team losing wickets at crucial moments. Openers Dinesh Kharel (10) and Andres Ghosh (16) failed to build a solid partnership, and Rameon Reifer was caught out for 17, adding to the team’s woes.
Top Performers in Pokhara’s Innings:
- Matthew Cross: 35 runs off 30 balls
- Michael Leask: 25 runs off 12 balls
Stellar Bowling by Janakpur
The Janakpur Bolts’ bowling attack played a significant role in keeping Pokhara to a manageable total. Lalit Rajbanshi was the pick of the bowlers, delivering an impressive spell of 4 overs, taking 3 wickets for 31 runs. James Neesham also made his mark, claiming 2 wickets for 22 runs. Mohammad Mohsin and Kishore Mahato each chipped in with one wicket, showcasing the depth and balance of Janakpur’s bowling lineup.
Bowling Highlights:
- Lalit Rajbanshi: 3/31 in 4 overs
- James Neesham: 2/22 in 4 overs
- Mohammad Mohsin & Kishore Mahato: 1 wicket each
NPL 2024 Standings Update
With this win, Janakpur Bolts have taken the top spot on the NPL 2024 points table, maintaining an unbeaten streak with six points from three matches. Their consistent performances have made them one of the most formidable teams in the tournament.
In contrast, Pokhara Avengers are facing mounting challenges, having suffered their second consecutive defeat. Their batting and bowling units will need to step up to reverse their current slump.
Key Takeaways:
- Janakpur Bolts: 3 wins, 6 points, unbeaten in NPL 2024
- Pokhara Avengers: 2 losses, struggling for form
Janakpur Bolts’ third consecutive victory in the Nepal Premier League 2024 underscores their status as one of the top teams in the competition. With stellar performances from both their batting and bowling departments, they have shown they are serious title contenders. Meanwhile, Pokhara Avengers need to regroup and address their inconsistencies if they wish to challenge for a spot in the playoffs.
As the NPL continues, cricket fans are eagerly watching to see if Janakpur can maintain their winning streak or if other teams will rise to the occasion and disrupt their dominance.
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