Janakpur Bolts secure spot in NPL final, set to face Sudurpaschim Royals

Kathmandu / Dec 19: Janakpur Bolts defeated Karnali Yaks by two wickets in a low-scoring Qualifier 2 match at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, securing their place in the final of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2024. The Bolts will now face Sudurpaschim Royals in Saturday’s final, a clash between the top two teams.

Chasing a modest target of 119 runs, Janakpur overcame early setbacks to achieve victory in 19 overs with eight wickets down. Last moment’s contributions came from Mayan Yadav, who scored 14 runs before being run out, and Sher Malla, who remained unbeaten with 16 runs.

Earlier, Sudurpaschim had defeated Janakpur in Qualifier 1, forcing the Bolts into a must-win game. Janakpur’s start in this match was shaky, with openers Shubh Kansakar and captain Aasif Sheikh dismissed for 3 and 4 runs, respectively. Lahiru Milantha followed with just 2 runs, and Aakash Tripathi departed after scoring 13. Harsh Thaker’s unfortunate runout at 15 added to the team’s woes.

However, New Zealand batter Jimmy Neesham steadied the innings with a quickfire 45 off 17 balls, including 2 fours and 5 sixes, before being bowled by Bipin Sharma.

Earlier in the game, Karnali Yaks managed only 118 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their 20 overs. Their top contributor was Gulshan Jha, who scored 25 off 20 balls, hitting one four and two sixes before being bowled by Muhammad Mohsin. Opener Dev Khanal added 24 runs with three fours and a six, but other batters failed to capitalise.

Janakpur’s bowlers, particularly Lalit Rajbanshi, Jimmy Neesham, and Mohsin, each took two wickets to restrict Karnali to a below-par total.

The highly anticipated final between Sudurpaschim Royals and Janakpur Bolts will take place this Saturday, promising an exciting conclusion to the NPL 2024 season.