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The anthem of the Janakpur Bolts, ‘Aail Baani Cup Jitey’, in the Bhojpuri language, translates to “We have come here to win the title.” True to its spirit, the anthem’s essence has been realized.

In a stunning climax to the first season of Nepal Premier League (NPL), Janakpur triumphed over Sudurpaschim Royals by five wickets with four balls to spare at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur on Saturday. The victory marked a remarkable redemption for the Bolts, who had lost their previous two encounters with the Royals earlier in the tournament. However, when it mattered most, Janakpur seized the moment to claim the championship trophy in front of a packed and vibrant crowd. 

With this win, Janakpur claimed the tournament’s top prize of Rs 11m, while the Royals, who finished as runners-up, received Rs 5.1m. Karnali Yaks, who placed third after their loss in Qualifier 2, took home Rs 2.5m, and the Chitwan Rhinos, eliminated earlier in the playoffs, earned Rs 1.5m for finishing fourth.  

The Bolts had a rollercoaster journey to the title, marked by ups and downs. They began the league stage with an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Biratnagar and followed it up with wins against Karnali, Pokhara, and Lumbini. A thrilling one-run victory over Lumbini was among their most memorable performances in the league. However, they also faced setbacks, losing to Sudurpaschim Royals and Chitwan Rhinos. Despite these losses, Janakpur secured second place in the points table with five wins from seven matches, earning a spot in the playoffs.  

In the playoffs, Janakpur faced Sudurpaschim in Qualifier 1 but suffered an eight-wicket loss. They bounced back strongly in Qualifier 2, defeating Karnali Yaks by two wickets in a nail-biting contest to book their place in the final. 

The final was all about Janakpur’s star performer, Lahiru Milantha, who delivered a Player of the Match-winning performance with a blistering 87 runs off just 49 balls. The wicketkeeper-batter anchored the Bolts’ chase of 185 runs with his commanding knock, laced with nine boundaries and four sixes. Milantha’s aggressive yet composed innings proved to be the difference between the two sides.

Winning the toss, the Royals opted to bat first, putting up a competitive total of 184/9 in their allotted 20 overs. The Royals’ innings was powered by a fine 69 off 43 balls from Saif Zaib, whose efforts throughout the tournament earned him the title of Player of the Tournament. Binod Bhandari also played a solid hand with 41 off 31 balls. Despite a strong start, the Royals faltered in the latter stages of the innings, losing wickets in quick succession to Janakpur’s disciplined bowling attack.

Kishore Mahato and Mohammad Mohsin were the pick of the bowlers for the Bolts, each claiming three wickets to restrict the Royals from reaching an even higher score. Lalit Rajbanshi was economical, giving away just 15 runs in his four overs and taking a crucial wicket.

Chasing 185, Janakpur Bolts got off to a flying start in the powerplay, scoring 71 runs without losing a wicket. Captain Aasif Sheikh set the tone with a quick-fire 33 off 19 balls before being dismissed at the end of the powerplay.

Milantha continued to dominate, receiving support from Harsh Thaker, who contributed a composed 30 not out off 24 balls. The duo stitched together a crucial 50-run partnership for the third wicket, taking the game away from the Royals. Despite losing wickets in the middle overs, Janakpur maintained the required run rate, thanks to Milantha’s brilliance.

The winning moment came in the 19.2 overs, with Thaker hitting the decisive runs, sparking wild celebrations among the Janakpur players and fans.

Sudurpaschim, who had dominated the league stage with seven wins in eight matches, missed out on the title despite their strong form. 

Sudurpaschim coach Jagat Tamata expressed his disappointment, saying the team fell short of their potential in the final. “The batting was going according to plan, and the power play went well. But we couldn’t capitalize in the last five overs despite having wickets in hand. We should have scored more runs,” he said. Tamata, however, congratulated Janakpur Bolts for their outstanding performance and praised the contributions of Sudurpaschim’s players. 

Sudurpaschim captain Dipendra Singh Airee echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging the strong start his team had in the final but lamenting their failure to capitalize on it. “Everyone played well, and we had a good batting performance. However, our bowlers couldn’t perform up to expectations. Congratulations to Janakpur, especially Milantha and Aasif, for their great game,” Airee said.

The NPL 2024 featured several standout performers. Milantha of Janakpur was the tournament’s leading run-scorer, amassing 293 runs in 10 matches at an average of 32.55 and a strike rate of 130.8. Ravi Bopara of Chitwan Rhinos followed with 286 runs in eight matches at an average of 40.85, while Rohit Paudel of Lumbini Lions scored 279 runs in seven matches at an average of 39.85. Among the bowlers, Scott Kuggeleijn of Sudurpaschim Royals and Lalit Rajbanshi of Janakpur shared the top spot with 17 wickets each, while Sohail Tanvir of Chitwan Rhinos took 14 wickets.  

Some of the tournament’s most memorable bowling performances included William Bosisto’s remarkable 6/28 for Karnali against Pokhara and Sohail Tanvir’s 5/21 for Chitwan against Kathmandu. The highest team total came from Biratnagar, who scored 193/8 against Lumbini, while Sudurpaschim Royals registered a thrilling win with the highest margin of 90 runs against Biratnagar.  

The tournament saw several standout performances. Dipendra Singh Airi was declared the Best Nepali Player of the tournament and awarded a Chinese Omoda E-5 car worth Rs 6.2m. He scored 227 runs and took nine wickets in the competition. Similarly, Lalit Rajbanshi, who topped the wicket-takers’ list with 17 dismissals in 10 matches, was named the Best Bowler, receiving a cash prize of Rs 500,000 along with a bike. Sudurpaschim’s Saif Zaib, who amassed 275 runs and claimed 12 wickets, was awarded the Player of the Tournament and received Rs 500,000.

Another highlight was Karnali Yaks’ 16-year-old bowler Bipin Sharma, who was declared the Emerging Player for his 13 wickets in eight matches. He received a cash prize of Rs 50,000, a promising start to a bright career. He also got a scholarship worth Rs 1m.

Despite their disappointment in the final, Sudurpaschim coach Jagat Tamata reflected on the positives, noting the overwhelming support for cricket. “This is a victory for Nepali cricket as a whole. The love for cricket here is immense, and it’s heartening to see so many spectators and sponsors contributing to the sport,” he said.

The Nepal Premier League 2024 was a celebration of cricket, showcasing the immense talent and potential of Nepali players. With record-breaking performances, thrilling contests, and dramatic moments, the tournament captivated cricket enthusiasts across the nation and set a new benchmark for cricketing excellence in Nepal.

In a match filled with twists, tension, and towering sixes, Janakpur Bolts clinched a thrilling two-wicket victory over Karnali Yaks in Qualifier 2 of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground. With this win, Janakpur stormed into the final, setting up an eagerly anticipated clash against Sudurpaschim Royals on Saturday afternoon.

The final will be the third encounter between Sudurpaschim and Janakpur in this NPL. In the two previous matches, the Royals easily outclassed the Bolts.

Although Janakpur had lost to Sudurpaschim in Qualifier 1, Janakpur captain Aasif Sheikh looked ahead with optimism in the post-match conference. “I believe we’ll win Qualifier 2 and meet Sudurpaschim again in the final,” he declared confidently.

With Sheikh’s words coming true, the cricket fans eagerly await the epic clash between these two titans of this year’s NPL. Can Janakpur defy the odds, or will Sudurpaschim continue their dominance? The final promises to be a showdown for the history books.

Karnali Yaks, opting to bat first, found themselves struggling on a tricky pitch. Openers Dev Khanal (24 off 20) and Gulsan Jha (25 off 20) provided a glimmer of hope, but frequent wickets kept the scoring rate in check. Late cameos from William Bosisto (14) and Chadwick Walton (11) couldn’t prevent Karnali from posting a below-par total of 118/9 in 20 overs.

Janakpur’s bowlers were clinical. Lalit Rajbanshi delivered a stellar spell of 2/22, while Mohammad Mohsin was economical with figures of 2/14. Adding to the carnage, Jimmy Neesham bagged two wickets at crucial junctures, cementing his reputation as a match-winner.

But the chase was nothing but a thriller. Karnali’s fiery bowling attack had Janakpur on the ropes early, with the scoreboard reading a precarious 9/3 in just the third over. Karnali’s Sompal Kami and Bipin Sharma tore through the top order, sending Sheikh (4) and Lahiru Milantha (2) back to the pavilion.

Enter Neesham—the man for the big moments. With the game slipping away, Neesham unleashed a breathtaking counterattack, hammering 45 runs off just 17 balls. His innings, laced with five monstrous sixes and two fours, turned the tide in Janakpur’s favor, stunning Karnali’s bowlers and igniting the crowd.

Neesham’s dismissal swung the momentum back to Karnali. Middle-order contributions from Harsh Thaker (17 off 26) and Mayan Yadav (14 off 18) kept Janakpur afloat, but it was not enough with only a few wickets in hand. As the game hung in the balance, Sher Malla’s calm 16 off 10 balls, featuring a decisive six, sealed the deal with an over to spare.

For his all-round brilliance, Neesham was rightly named Player of the Match. When other batters struggled, New Zealand’s batting all-rounder has been saving Janakpur since he started playing. In Thursday’s match, he was bowled out by Karnali’s 16-year-old bowler Bipin Sharma.

After taking Janakpur to the final, Neesham stated that they deserved to be there. He also mentioned that the final is still to come and Janakpur has a chance to win the trophy. He pointed out that it was challenging to bat on the pitch at Kirtipur. “It’s a tough pitch. It’s hard to stay in. Extra power is needed. The pitch keeps changing. It’s tough in the morning, but it’s a little different in the afternoon,” he said.

Neesham also shared that Karnali’s Sharma had told him at the hotel that he would take his wicket. He also shared that he was having a great time in Nepal. “The hospitality is very good. I’m enjoying the game,” he said.

Sudurpaschim dominated the league stage, winning six out of seven matches, with their only loss coming against the Chitwan Rhinos. Janakpur Bolts, on the other hand, finished in second place, securing five wins out of seven matches but falling short against both Chitwan and Sudurpaschim.

After clinching Qualifier 1 against Janakpur, Sudurpaschim Royals’ wicketkeeper-batsman Binod Bhandari heaped praise on captain Dipendra Singh Airee’s leadership and performance. “Dipendra is currently the best player in Nepal. His batting, bowling, and fielding are exceptional,” said Bhandari. Highlighting Airee’s extensive experience, he added, “He has captained teams like Nepal Police Club, and now with the introduction of the NPL, his leadership has further matured.”

Bhandari also reflected on the team’s transformation. While the squad initially seemed a bit underwhelming before the tournament, he credited the inclusion of foreign players for balancing the team dynamics. “The foreign players fit perfectly into the team’s strategy, and with them on board, we are capable of winning the NPL,” he confidently stated.

The stage is now set for a blockbuster final. Sudurpaschim Royals, unbeaten against Janakpur this season, enter as favorites, having already defeated them twice, including a dominant league-stage victory. If Janakpur can break the Royals’ streak, it would be a redemption arc for the ages.

Sudurpaschim Royals became the first finalists of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), defeating Janakpur Bolts by eight wickets with nine balls to spare in Qualifier 1. Janakpur will now face Karnali Yaks in Qualifier 2 on Thursday. The Yaks earned their spot by defeating Chitwan Rhinos by 21 runs in the Eliminator. Sudurpaschim will meet the winner of Qualifier 2 in the final, scheduled for Saturday.

The Royals, who topped the league table, have drawn comparisons to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the most successful team in the Indian Premier League (IPL), as both teams sport similar yellow kits. Binod Bhandari, wearing jersey number 7 and donning the wicket keeping gloves, has been likened to India’s legendary captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who has led CSK to five IPL titles. Bhandari, named Player of the Match in Qualifier 1, has even adopted a hairstyle reminiscent of Dhoni’s iconic look.

Chasing a target of 140, the Royals delivered a clinical performance, reaching 141/2 in just 18.3 overs. Bhandari anchored the chase with a composed 58* off 55 balls, supported by opener Saif Zaib, who scored a brisk 32, and captain Dipendra Singh Airee, who contributed an unbeaten 20.

Earlier, Janakpur Bolts opted to bat first but struggled to build momentum, managing 139/9 in their 20 overs. Jimmy Neesham was the standout performer for Janakpur, smashing an explosive 45 off 23 balls, but the rest of the batting lineup faltered. Sudurpaschim’s bowling attack, led by Airee (3/29) and Zaib (2/20), effectively restricted Janakpur despite some resistance from Neesham.

Janakpur skipper Anil Sah, who sustained a wrist injury, was ruled out of the match, dealing a significant blow to the Bolts. Aasif Sheikh captained the team in Sah’s absence.

This defeat marked Janakpur’s second loss to Sudurpaschim in the tournament. However, they still have a chance to reach the final by winning Qualifier 2, where they could face the Royals again for a shot at redemption.

Sudurpaschim’s chase was methodical, with Zaib providing a quick start and Bhandari ensuring stability until the end, striking three boundaries and three sixes to seal the victory in style.

Karnali eliminates Chitwan

In the first match on Wednesday, Karnali Yaks secured a 21-run victory over Chitwan Rhinos in the Eliminator. Chadwick Walton’s explosive unbeaten 46 off 23 balls earned him the Player of the Match award, propelling Karnali to a competitive total of 175/6. Jaykishan Kolsawala (53 off 39) and William Bosisto (52 off 39) also contributed crucial half-centuries, while Sohail Tanvir’s 2/24 stood out in an otherwise expensive bowling performance for Chitwan.

Chasing 176, Chitwan Rhinos fell short at 154/9 despite Ravi Bopara’s valiant 53 off 34 balls. Karnali’s bowlers, led by Zeeshan Maqsood (3/26) and Sompal Kami (2/22), ensured their team stayed ahead in a high-pressure encounter.

Karnali captain Sompal Kami expressed optimism about his team’s prospects. “I envisioned reaching the final from the start, but there were fears of disqualification too. It’s the bowlers who brought us this far,” Kami said. He also credited the decision to bring in India’s Kolsawala after the league stage. “We weren’t getting the starts we needed, so we brought in Kolsawala, who played his role brilliantly.”

Chitwan coach Umesh Patwal praised the NPL’s inaugural season for its impact on Nepali cricket. “This is just the beginning. With Star Sports broadcasting the tournament, the attention it has received is phenomenal. A tournament like this will change cricket in Nepal. If the exposure continues, Nepal could become a Test nation,” Patwal said.

Karnali will face Janakpur in Qualifier 2, with a chance to advance to the final. However, Janakpur holds the psychological advantage, having comfortably defeated Karnali during the league stage, winning by eight wickets with 29 balls to spare. The Yaks, buoyed by their recent performance, will look to capitalize on Janakpur’s lack of form to book their place in the final.

Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur will host two crucial matches in the ongoing Nepal Premier League (NPL) on Wednesday. The Eliminator will feature Chitwan Rhinos against Karnali Yaks at 9:00 am, with both teams fighting to keep their tournament hopes alive. The loser will be eliminated from the competition.

Later in the day, the Qualifier 1 match will see the Sudurpaschim Royals face off against the Janakpur Bolts at 1:00 pm. The winner will secure a direct ticket to the final, while the loser will have another chance to qualify through the second qualifier. There are rumors that Janakpur skipper Anil Sah has sustained an injury and is likely to miss the remaining matches, which would be a significant blow to the team. According to sources, marquee player Aasif Sheikh is set to take over as captain. However, an official announcement is yet to be made.

The Chitwan Rhinos finished the league stage in third place, amassing eight points from seven matches. Their journey to the playoffs has been a mix of triumphs and setbacks. Chitwan started strong with back-to-back wins against Kathmandu Gurkhas on Dec 2, where they chased down the target with five wickets in hand and 17 balls to spare, and Pokhara Avengers on Dec 3, securing a massive 87-run victory. However, their momentum faltered with a narrow loss to Karnali Yaks on Dec 6, who chased down the target with one ball remaining.

The team rebounded with a convincing 33-run win over Sudurpaschim on Dec 8, but faced two consecutive defeats against Lumbini Lions (by 33 runs on Dec 10) and Biratnagar Kings (by 51 runs on Dec 13). They ended the league stage on a high note, defeating Janakpur Bolts by 32 runs on Dec 14, which secured their place in the playoffs.

Chitwan will now face the Karnali Yaks in the Eliminator, aiming to keep their championship hopes alive and secure a spot in Qualifier 2. This match also presents an opportunity for revenge, as Karnali had defeated them earlier in the league stage.

The Yaks finished the league stage in fourth place, earning eight points from seven matches. Despite a rocky start, Karnali showed remarkable resilience, winning four of their last five games to secure a playoff spot. Karnali began their campaign with two consecutive losses—against Janakpur on Dec 2 (by eight wickets with 29 balls remaining) and Kathmandu on Dec 4 (by three wickets with three balls to spare). However, they bounced back dramatically, defeating Chitwan on Dec 6 in a nail-biting match, chasing the target with one ball remaining.

Karnali’s winning streak continued with a seven-run victory over Biratnagar on Dec 7, a dominant seven-wicket win over Pokhara on Dec 10, and a thrilling five-run triumph against Lumbini on Dec 13. Their momentum was briefly halted in their final league match on Dec 16, where they lost to Sudurpaschim by six wickets, with 28 balls to spare. Had they won, Karnali would have secured second place, pushing Janakpur into the Eliminator and gaining the advantage of playing in Qualifier 1 instead.

The Qualifier 1 match between Sudurpaschim and Janakpur will determine which team advances to the final. Sudurpaschim finished the league stage in first place with 12 points from seven matches. With six wins and just one loss, the Royals showcased exceptional consistency and all-around performance. They began their campaign with a 90-run win over Biratnagar on Dec 3, followed by a 73-run victory over Kathmandu on Dec 5. After defeating Lumbini by 45 runs on Dec 7, they suffered their only loss on Dec 8, to Chitwan by 33 runs.

Sudurpaschim bounced back with a thumping 72-run win over Janakpur on Dec 11, a five-run victory over Pokhara on Dec 15, and a comprehensive six-wicket win over Karnali on Dec 16, chasing the target with 28 balls to spare. With their top-of-the-table finish, the Royals head directly into Qualifier 1, where they will face second-placed Janakpur for a chance to book their spot in the final.

The Janakpur Bolts, with 10 points from seven matches, have demonstrated resilience and firepower. They began their campaign with an eight-wicket win over Biratnagar on Nov 30, followed by another eight-wicket victory over Karnali on Dec 2. They then defeated Pokhara by seven wickets on Dec 5 and edged past Lumbini in a thrilling one-run victory on Dec 8. However, the Bolts stumbled against Sudurpaschim on Dec 11, suffering a heavy 72-run defeat. The Bolts quickly bounced back with a five-wicket win over Kathmandu on Dec 12, chasing the target with 25 balls to spare, but fell short against Chitwan in their final league match on Dec 14, losing by 32 runs.

Qualifier 1 will also provide Janakpur with a chance for revenge, as the Royals had previously humiliated the Bolts.

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) on Tuesday also announced the prize for the NPL winner. The winner will receive a cash prize of Rs 11m, while the runner-up will receive Rs 5.1m. The third and fourth-placed teams will be awarded Rs 2.5m and Rs 1.5m, respectively.

The league stage of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) concluded on Monday, with the top four teams now set for the playoffs.

After 28 matches, Sudurpaschim Royals finished at the top with 12 points, followed by Janakpur Bolts in second place with 10 points. Chitwan Rhinos secured third with eight points, and Karnali Yaks took the fourth spot, also with eight points. Kathmandu Gurkhas, who had eight points, were eliminated due to a lower net run rate.

Lumbini Lions, Pokhara Avengers, and Biratnagar Kings were eliminated earlier.

The playoffs will begin with the first qualifier between Sudurpaschim Royals and Janakpur Bolts. Chitwan Rhinos and Karnali Yaks will face off in the eliminator.

The eliminator is scheduled for Wednesday morning, followed by the first qualifier in the afternoon. The winner of the eliminator will move on to the second qualifier, while the loser will be eliminated. The first qualifier winner will advance to the final, with the losing team heading to the second qualifier. And the winner of the second qualifier will play the final while the loser will be eliminated.

The second qualifier will take place on Thursday, and the final will be held on Saturday.

While the league stage has concluded, let’s revisit how it went.

In the opening match on Nov 30, Janakpur Bolts defeated Biratnagar Kings by eight wickets, chasing down 128 in just 15.3 overs. On Dec 2, Chitwan Rhinos triumphed over Kathmandu Gurkhas by five wickets, while Janakpur Bolts continued their winning streak by defeating Karnali Yaks by eight wickets, successfully chasing 142 in 15.1 overs.

On Dec 3, Sudurpaschim Royals delivered a dominant performance against Biratnagar Kings, winning by 90 runs with a total of 182/7, while Chitwan Rhinos crushed Pokhara Avengers by 87 runs, posting 161/7. The next day, Kathmandu Gurkhas edged past Karnali Yaks by three wickets, chasing 150 with only three balls to spare. Lumbini Lions came close to victory, but Biratnagar Kings clinched a dramatic two-wicket win with just one ball remaining.

Janakpur continued their superb form, defeating Pokhara by seven wickets in a chase of 139 on Dec 5. The same day, Sudurpaschim were once again dominant, beating Kathmandu by 73 runs with a score of 167/6. Chitwan bounced back from their defeat, overcoming Karnali by six wickets in a tight finish on Dec 6.

On Dec 8, Janakpur triumphed over Lumbini by one run, while Chitwan sealed a 33-run victory against Sudurpaschim. On Dec 9, Kathmandu got a crucial win, defeating Lumbini by 18 runs. Pokhara faced a loss against Karnali on Dec 10, with the latter winning by seven wickets.

In the subsequent matches, Sudurpaschim were victorious against Janakpur, winning by 72 runs, while Kathmandu overcame Janakpur by five wickets. The next few days saw dramatic finishes, with teams like Lumbini and Karnali pulling off hard-fought wins, while others such as Chitwan maintained impressive performances.

The league reached its climax on Dec 16, where Sudurpaschim defeated Karnali by six wickets with 28 balls to spare.

The league stage also saw some exceptional individual performances with standout contributions in both batting and bowling. Rohit Paudel of Lumbini leads the run-scoring charts with a total of 279 runs in seven innings, averaging 39.85, while Ravi Bopara of Chitwan follows with 233 runs at an average of 38.83. Andries Gous of Pokhara also impressed with 224 runs in six innings, boasting an average of 44.80. 

On the bowling front, Scott Kuggeleijn of Sudurpaschim has been a force to reckon with, taking 15 wickets in seven innings at a remarkable average of nine. Lalit Rajbanshi of Janakpur and Rijan Dhakal of Chitwan both claimed 13 wickets each, with Rajbanshi maintaining an average of 10.69 and Dhakal’s average standing at 14.46.

Sudurpaschim Royals triumphed over Pokhara Avengers by a narrow five-run margin in their Nepal Premier League (NPL) clash at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground on Sunday.

With this win, Sudurpaschim have secured a spot in the playoffs, sitting atop the table with 10 points, alongside Janakpur Bolts, who have also qualified. Chitwan Rhinos, with eight points, have secured their place in the playoffs as well.

The final playoff spot will be decided in the upcoming match between Karnali Yaks and Sudurpaschim Royals on Monday. If Karnali suffers a heavy defeat, Kathmandu Gurkhas will qualify for the playoffs. Karnali, however, will secure a place in the playoffs despite a competitive loss.

The top two teams in the league will face off in the first qualifier, with the winner advancing to the final, while the losing team will get another chance in the second qualifier. The third and fourth-placed teams will compete in the eliminator, with the winner moving to the second qualifier.

The Royals posted a challenging total of 153/7 in 20 overs, and despite a determined chase by Pokhara, they were restricted to 148 all out in 19.4 overs. Scott Kuggeleijn was the standout performer, claiming an impressive five wickets for just 18 runs, earning him the Player of the Match award. His brilliant bowling spell helped thwart Pokhara’s chase as they fell agonizingly short of the target.

The Royals’ innings saw steady contributions, with Aarif Sheikh leading the charge, scoring 42 off 38 balls. Despite early wickets, Sudur Paschim managed to post a total of 153/7, with notable contributions from Brandon McMullen (23) and Dipendra Singh Airee (20).

In reply, Pokhara Avengers were off to a shaky start, with key batsmen falling early. Andries Gous top-scored with 36, while Kiran Thagunna contributed 32. However, Kuggeleijn’s brilliant spell and Harmeet Singh’s support, claiming three wickets for 26 runs, ultimately led to the Avengers’ downfall as they were dismissed for 148.

In the first game on Sunday, Kathmandu Gurkhas secured a nail-biting victory over Biratnagar Kings, winning by one wicket with 11 balls to spare.

Chasing a target of 118, Kathmandu’s top-order faced early setbacks, losing key wickets at regular intervals. Stephen Eskinazi (1), Michael Levitt (10), and Gerhard Erasmus (12) all fell cheaply, leaving the Gurkhas struggling at 24/4. However, a gritty 39 from Pratik Shrestha and a crucial 14 from Rashid Khan brought the team back on track.

Dipesh Kandel played a match-winning cameo, remaining unbeaten on 11 off 5 balls, helping Kathmandu over the line with 120/9 in 18.1 overs. Despite the tense chase, Kathmandu managed to reach their target with 11 balls remaining.

Earlier, Biratnagar Kings posted a total of 117, with their top scorers being Dipak Bohara (20) and Rajesh Pulami (25). Kathmandu’s bowlers, led by Dipesh Kandel (2/16) and Sandeep Lamichhane (3/19), proved pivotal in restricting the Kings to a modest total.

Kandel’s all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award, having contributed with both bat and ball.

In Saturday’s match between Chitwan Rhinos and Janakpur Bolts, Jimmy Neesham scored a blistering half-century off just 18 balls. He hit four fours and five sixes during his rapid innings. Neesham was initially caught on the first ball of the 15th over, but it was a no-ball. At that point, Neesham had scored 58 runs. He then hit a six off the subsequent free hit before being dismissed on the fourth ball. Neesham finished with 65 runs from 24 balls, including five fours and six sixes. This was the fastest half-century in NPL history.

Despite Neesham’s explosive knock, Janakpur lost the match by 32 runs.

The Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground witnessed an electrifying day of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) on Thursday. The first game saw Pokhara Avengers edge Biratnagar Kings in a gripping Super Over contest, the first of this season. In the second game, Janakpur Bolts dominated Kathmandu Gurkhas to cement their place in the playoffs, making them the first team to secure a berth in the next stage.

The day’s opening clash, between Pokhara and Biratnagar, turned into a cricketing classic. Winning the toss, Biratnagar Kings opted to bat first but struggled to find momentum against a disciplined Pokhara bowling attack. Opener Scott Edwards was the standout performer for Biratnagar, crafting a composed 45 off 35 balls. Edwards displayed excellent shot selection and kept the scoreboard ticking even as wickets fell at the other end. Lower-order contributions from Basir Ahamad, who scored 21 off 20 balls, ensured Biratnagar reached a competitive total of 139/7 in their allotted 20 overs.

Pokhara Avengers’ bowlers, particularly Raymon Reifer and Sagar Dhakal, were instrumental in restricting the Kings. Reifer took two wickets for 33 runs, maintaining a probing line and length during crucial overs, while Dhakal’s spell was a masterclass in spin bowling. The left-arm spinner gave away only 15 runs in his four overs while picking up two wickets, dismantling Biratnagar’s middle order and denying them a strong finish in the death overs.

Chasing 140 for victory, Pokhara Avengers began their innings cautiously, aware of the tricky nature of the surface. Andries Gous anchored the chase with a vital innings, but a disciplined Biratnagar bowling unit ensured that the contest remained evenly poised. Wickets fell at regular intervals, and the match went down to the wire, with Pokhara requiring 12 runs off the final over. Despite their efforts, the Avengers managed only a tie, finishing at 139/8.

The game’s fate was decided by a Super Over, the first in this edition of the NPL. Pokhara Avengers batted first in the decider and set a target of 19 runs, courtesy of some aggressive hitting by their skipper. In response, Biratnagar Kings faltered under pressure, managing only five runs in their over. This thrilling victory not only boosted Pokhara’s morale but also kept their playoff hopes alive in the competition.

The second game of the day featured Janakpur Bolts and Kathmandu Gurkhas, with the former putting on a dominant display to secure a comfortable win. Batting first, the Bolts posted an imposing total, with their top order firing on all cylinders. Their openers provided a strong platform, and the middle order capitalized with some power-packed hitting in the latter stages of the innings.

Kathmandu Gurkhas, in contrast, struggled to keep up with the required run rate during their chase. A disciplined Janakpur bowling attack, combined with some sharp fielding efforts, ensured that the Gurkhas were bowled out well short of the target. This victory marked Janakpur as the first team to officially qualify for the playoffs, further solidifying their reputation as title favorites.

The results from Thursday’s matches have intensified the competition in the league, with teams now jostling for the remaining playoff spots. 

The Nepal Premier League (NPL) witnessed a low-scoring double-header on Wednesday at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, with Sudurpaschim Royals crushing Janakpur Bolts by 72 runs in the first match and Kathmandu Gurkhas eliminating Lumbini Lions with an 18-run victory in the second. Lumbini became the first team to exit the playoff race after their disappointing campaign.

Defending a modest target of 124, Sudurpaschim Royals delivered a stellar bowling performance, dismissing Janakpur for just 51 runs in 12.1 overs. Ishan Pandey, the Player of the Match, shone with an all-around performance, scoring 17 runs off 14 balls and picking up 2/11 with the ball.

Janakpur, unbeaten in their previous four matches, collapsed dramatically. Their top six batters failed to reach double digits, leaving them reeling at 28/5 within the first four overs. The middle and lower order could only add 23 more runs, succumbing to Sudurpaschim’s clinical bowling attack.

“We knew that scoring over 110 would put us 60–70 percent ahead. Our spinners executed the plan perfectly on this track,” said Pandey post-match. He credited the strategy of opening with spin against international players and capitalizing on the spin-friendly conditions.

Sudurpaschim’s captain, Dipendra Singh Airee, also contributed with figures of 2/27, while Harmeet Singh was exceptional, claiming 2/2 in four overs, including two maidens.

Reflecting on their previous loss to Chitwan Tigers, Pandey remarked that the victory against Janakpur was essential for boosting team morale. On a lighter note, Pandey expressed excitement about the Cricket Association of Nepal’s announcement of cricket legend Brian Lara’s upcoming visit. “As a left-handed batsman, Lara was my idol. Meeting him will be a dream come true,” he said.

The victory propelled Sudurpaschim Royals to the top of the league standings, while Janakpur Bolts dropped to second place.

In the second match, Kathmandu Gurkhas defended a modest 104-run target, securing their second win in four matches. The loss marked the end of Lumbini Lions’ playoff race, with five defeats in six games.

Kathmandu struggled with the bat, managing just 103 runs in 19.2 overs. Bhim Sharki top-scored with 31 off 40 balls, and Dan Douthwaite added 21. Lumbini’s Saad Bin Zafar impressed with the ball, taking 3/21.

However, Lumbini’s batting woes continued as they failed to chase the low target, getting bowled out for 85 runs in 19.2 overs. Sundeep Jora was the lone bright spot with a 26-run knock. Kathmandu’s captain Karan KC delivered a match-winning spell of 4/16 and was ably supported by Dipesh Kandel, who took 3/6 in four overs.

The Lumbini Lions began their NPL journey with promise, scoring 191 runs in their opening match against Biratnagar Kings. However, poor bowling allowed Biratnagar to chase the target in a thrilling last-over finish.

In their second match, Lumbini posted 170 runs against Pokhara Avengers, but the opening pair of Dinesh Kharel and Andries Gous dominated, completing the chase without losing a wicket.

The third match saw another batting collapse as Lumbini managed only 142 runs in response to Sudurpaschim Royals’ 187. Despite Bibek Yadav’s valiant unbeaten 77, the team fell short.

A narrow loss in the fourth match against Janakpur Bolts further dented their campaign. Despite restricting Janakpur to 136, Lumbini fell one run short of the target.

Their only victory came in the fifth match against Chitwan Tigers, where captain Rohit Paudel’s all-round brilliance (80 runs and four wickets) led them to a 33-run win.

Paudel was a standout performer, scoring 269 runs and taking seven wickets in six matches. Reflecting on the team’s performance, he said, “We could not bowl well in the opening matches, and our batting let us down in the final games.”

The NPL is set for an action-packed double-header on Thursday too. The day will begin with the 20th match of the tournament, where the Pokhara Avengers will face the Biratnagar Kings at 9:00 am. Later, at 1:00 pm, the Janakpur Bolts will take on the Kathmandu Gurkhas in the 21st match.