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Lumbini Lions finally secured a long-awaited victory, defeating Chitwan Rhinos by 33 runs in the 16th match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground. This win was crucial for Lumbini, who had been struggling with four consecutive losses and were in danger of elimination. With this win on Tuesday, Lumbini Lions have revived their chances, though they remain slim in the tournament.

The victory came thanks to a stellar all-round performance from Lumbini’s captain, Rohit Paudel. Paudel, who also leads the Nepal national team, played a match-winning role with both bat and ball. He top-scored with 80 runs off 57 balls, including six fours and five sixes, and followed it up with impressive bowling figures of four wickets for just 17 runs. His exceptional performance earned him the Player of the Match award.

Lumbini posted a competitive total of 167/6 in their 20 overs, with contributions from Saad Bin Zafar, who scored a quick-fire 52 off 35 balls. Despite a challenging start, Lumbini recovered through a crucial 114-run partnership between Rohit and Zafar.

Chasing a target of 168, Chitwan Rhinos never looked comfortable. Lumbini’s bowlers, led by Paudel, kept the pressure on with tight spells. Chitwan’s top order collapsed early, and they were restricted to 134/8 in their 20 overs. Paudel’s all-round brilliance helped Lumbini seal a comprehensive win and break their losing streak.

In a post-match interview, Paudel expressed his relief, saying, “We needed a win today, and I’m happy to contribute to the team's success. This is one of my best performances, and I’m glad it helped us turn things around.” His form has been a bright spot in the NPL, with 261 runs in five matches, making him the highest run-scorer so far. He also sits fifth on the list of highest wicket-takers with seven wickets.

Looking ahead, Paudel emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum, saying, “If we win the remaining two matches and other results go our way, we can still make the playoffs. We have to focus on our own performance and leave the rest to fate.”

Chitwan’s coach, Umesh Patwal, also praised Paudel for his exceptional performance. “Rohit is one of my students, and I’m proud to see him leading the NPL as the top scorer. It’s a great achievement for Nepali cricket.”

In the second match on Tuesday, Karnali Yaks triumphed over Pokhara Avengers by seven wickets with 30 balls to spare. Chasing a target of 104, Karnali reached the target in just 15 overs, with a comfortable win marking their third victory in five matches.

Pokhara Avengers, batting first, posted a modest total of 103 all out in 16.3 overs. Despite a solid start from Dinesh Kharel (26 off 19 balls) and Andries Gous (25 off 12 balls), they struggled to build partnerships, losing wickets regularly. William Bosisto was the standout performer with the ball, taking a remarkable six wickets for 28 runs, becoming the first player to claim six wickets in an innings in the ongoing NPL.

Karnali’s bowling attack was equally potent, with Sompal Kami (1/26) and Bipin Sharma (1/21) also contributing to the dismissal of Pokhara’s batting line-up.

In reply, Karnali Yaks started cautiously, losing two early wickets. However, Chadwick Walton’s 42 off 34 balls and Gulsan Jha’s unbeaten 49 off 37 balls steered them to victory. The pair shared a crucial 60-run partnership, taking Karnali across the finish line.

Bosisto was awarded Player of the Match for his brilliant all-round performance.

Wednesday will also feature a double-header. The 18th match will see Janakpur Bolts take on Sudurpaschim Royals at 9:00 am. Following that, the 19th match will be between Kathmandu Gurkhas and Lumbini Lions.

Monday served as a much-needed break day for the teams in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2024, offering a brief respite before the competition resumes. As the league stage reaches its halfway mark, the intensity is rising, with six out of the eight teams having played four matches each and the remaining two teams having played three matches each. With the teams now more familiar with the conditions and the stakes rising, the competition is becoming even more exciting.

At the top of the table, Janakpur Bolts continue to maintain their unbeaten record. Their remarkable run includes four consecutive wins, starting with a victory over Biratnagar Kings in the tournament opener, followed by wins against Karnali Yaks, Pokhara Avengers, and most recently, a close encounter against Lumbini Lions. With eight points from four matches, Janakpur has firmly established themselves as the team to beat and looks set to secure a playoff spot. 

Sudurpaschim Royals, sitting in second place with six points from four matches, are hot on Janakpur’s heels. The Royals boast the highest net run rate in the league (+2.188), which is a significant advantage. Despite suffering a 33-run defeat to Chitwan Rhinos in their last match, Sudurpaschim remain one of the favorites for the playoffs. Chitwan, also with six points from four games, is in a similar position, having won three of their last four matches. The Rhinos will be looking to build on their recent successes as they face Lumbini Lions, Biratnagar Kings, and Pokhara Avengers in their upcoming fixtures.

Karnali Yaks find themselves in fourth place with four points from four matches. However, with a net run rate of -0.427, they will need to make some improvements if they are to advance to the playoffs. The Yaks’ upcoming matches against Pokhara Avengers, Lumbini Lions, and Sudurpaschim Royals will be critical in their quest to climb the standings.

The mid-table battle is exceptionally tight, with Pokhara Avengers and Kathmandu Gurkhas both having two points from three games. Biratnagar Kings are also in a difficult position with just two points from four games, facing a do-or-die scenario in their upcoming matches against Pokhara, Chitwan, and Kathmandu. A few wins could propel these teams into the playoff mix, but they will need to perform under pressure.

At the bottom of the table, Lumbini Lions remain winless, having lost all four of their matches. Their chances of progressing to the knockout stages are very slim, and they will need a remarkable turnaround, relying on other teams’ results to keep their playoff hopes alive. A win in their next match against Chitwan Rhinos could ignite a comeback, but it’s a long road ahead for the Lions.

Individually, Lumbini’s skipper Rohit Kumar Paudel is having an outstanding tournament. Despite his team’s struggles, Paudel is currently the leading run-scorer with 181 runs, including a high score of 95. His form has been exceptional, but he will need support from his teammates to turn around Lumbini’s fortunes. Andries Gous, the wicketkeeper-batsman from Pokhara Avengers, is another standout performer. In just two games, Gous has scored 124 runs, including the first and only century of the tournament so far, making him one of the top contenders for the run-scoring title.

In the bowling department, Sohail Tanvir of Sudurpaschim Royals leads the way with nine wickets, including the first-ever five-wicket haul in the NPL. Nepali bowlers, particularly young talents like Bipin Sharma and Bipin Khatri, are also making significant contributions. Sharma, the 16-year-old, has six wickets to his name, while Khatri has taken five. Harsh Thaker and Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi have also impressed, with Thaker recently claiming a five-wicket haul. It’s worth noting that some of Nepal’s more experienced national team bowlers, such as Sandeep Lamichhane, Karan KC, and Sompal Kami, have not yet made it to the top 10 wicket-takers list, with young and overseas talent dominating the bowling charts.

In the fielding department, Naresh Bahadur Budayair of Sudurpaschim has been a standout, taking the most catches in the NPL so far. Budayair has accounted for seven dismissals, including a remarkable three catches in a single match against Chitwan Rhinos. Anil Sah of Janakpur and Ishan Pandey of Sudurpaschim have also been reliable, each taking four catches in four games.

With 13 matches remaining in the round-robin format, the competition is set to intensify in the second half of the league stage. Every team still has a chance to progress to the knockout stages, making the upcoming matches crucial for all sides involved. The NPL 2024 is shaping up to be a thrilling contest, and fans can expect plenty of drama and excitement as the league progresses.

On Tuesday, the NPL will feature two exciting matches. First, Chitwan Rhinos will face Lumbini Lions at 9 am, with Lumbini aiming for their first win of the tournament, while Chitwan looks to climb to second place on the points table. At 1 pm, Kathmandu Gurkhas will take on Pokhara Avengers, with both teams seeking their second win of the competition.

Janakpur Bolts secured a thrilling one-run victory over Lumbini Lions in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) on Sunday at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. With this win, Janakpur extended their winning streak to four consecutive matches and moved to the top of the league table with eight points, while Lumbini remained at the bottom with zero points, having lost all four of their matches.

Batting first, Janakpur posted a total of 136/9 in their 20 overs. Captain Anil Sah led the way with a steady knock of 45 runs from 39 balls, anchoring the innings as wickets fell around him. The middle-order collapsed after Sah’s departure, with Harsh Thaker (one off three balls), Jimmy Neesham (one off two balls), and others failing to contribute significantly. However, Shubh Kansakar remained unbeaten, scoring 22 runs off 24 balls to help the team reach a challenging total.

Lumbini Lions’ bowlers put up a strong fight, with Abhishesh Gautam leading the attack, claiming three wickets for 20 runs. Saad Bin Zafar and Rohit Paudel also took two wickets each. Despite the Bolts losing wickets in the middle overs, their total of 136 runs proved just enough to set a challenging target for the Lions.

Chasing a target of 137 runs, Lumbini got off to a solid start but were unable to maintain the momentum. Ashutosh Ghiraiya (eight off 14 balls) and Arjun Saud (20 off 23 balls) got their innings going, but both fell early. Rohit Paudel, the Lumbini captain, played a crucial knock of 35 runs off 38 balls, keeping his team in the hunt. Tom Moores contributed a quick-fire 31 runs off 23 balls, while Ben Cutting (three off seven balls) and Bibek Yadav (zero off two balls) couldn’t capitalize on their starts.

The Lions’ innings faltered under pressure as the required run rate climbed. Thaker, who had earlier made an impact with the bat, turned the game with a superb bowling performance, claiming five wickets for 23 runs, including key dismissals of Paudel, Moores, and Zafar. With the Lions needing nine runs off the final over, Mohammad Mohsin and Kishore Mahato held their nerve, restricting Lumbini to 135/8 in 20 overs, just one run short.

After the match, Sheikh, Janakpur’s marquee player, spoke about the team’s success, attributing their continued winning streak to the strong balance within the squad and the positive atmosphere both on and off the field. “The team atmosphere is great, and we play together as a unit. Everyone contributes in different ways, and that’s why we’ve been so successful,” Sheikh said. “We focus on one match at a time. We’re never in a comfortable position. We have to work even harder in the next match.”

In the second game on Sunday, Chitwan Rhinos triumphed over Sudurpaschim Royals by 33 runs. Chasing a target of 165, Sudurpaschim were restricted to 131/10 in 18.2 overs, handing Chitwan a comfortable victory. With this win, Chitwan halted Sudurpaschim’s three-match winning streak. Despite the loss, Sudurpaschim remained second on the league table, with Chitwan moving up to third, both with six points. However, Sudurpaschim holds a higher net run rate.

Chitwan, who were asked to bat first, posted a total of 164/5 in 20 overs. Hassan Eisakhil was the standout performer for Chitwan, scoring a match-winning 65 off 52 balls. He was well-supported by Ravi Bopara, who contributed 36 off 18 balls. Chitwan’s innings also saw valuable contributions from Bipin Rawal (17) and Kushal Malla (13).

In the bowling department, Rijan Dhakal and Malla were key figures, with Dhakal taking two wickets for 33 runs and Malla picking up two wickets for 18 runs. Sohail Tanvir also claimed a wicket for Chitwan.

Sudurpaschim’s chase got off to a rocky start, with their top order collapsing under pressure. Saif Zaib’s quick-fire 18 off 11 balls was the highlight of their innings, but wickets kept falling at regular intervals. Ishan Pandey fought valiantly, scoring 35 off 28 balls, but it was not enough to prevent their defeat.

Rhinos’ bowling attack was relentless, with Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Ranjit Kumar, and Amar Routela each claiming wickets. Sudurpaschim were eventually bowled out for 131 in 18.2 overs, falling short by 33 runs.

There are no matches on Monday. On Tuesday, NPL will feature Chitwan Rhinos facing Lumbini Lions at 9 am, followed by Kathmandu Gurkhas taking on Pokhara Avengers at 1 pm. Lumbini will aim for their first win, while Chitwan will look to climb to second place on the points table. Meanwhile, Kathmandu and Pokhara will both seek their second win.

Pokhara Avengers suffered another setback in the Nepal Premier League (NPL), losing by seven wickets to Janakpur Bolts on Thursday at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. This was their second consecutive loss in the ongoing season, having previously fallen to Chitwan Rhinos by 87 runs. Despite batting first after losing the toss, Pokhara could only manage 138 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their allotted 20 overs. The team struggled with both the bat and the ball, failing to execute their game plan effectively.

Captain Kushal Bhurtel acknowledged the team’s underperformance, admitting that they were about 20-25 runs short of a competitive total. He pointed out that the team’s original strategy of building partnerships in the middle overs and accelerating in the later stages didn’t materialize, as they faltered in crucial moments. “It would have been better if we had managed at least 15 more runs in the last over,” Bhurtel said, referring to their struggles in the final stages of their innings. Pokhara’s batting line-up was punctuated by several key failures, with the top order, including Dinesh Kharel, Andries Gous, and Kushal Bhurtel himself, all falling cheaply. The middle order did little to stabilize the innings, and only Michael Leask (25 off 13 balls) offered some resistance.

The team also missed the services of Dutch all-rounder Bas de Liede, who was sidelined due to an injury. Bhurtel, who had opened in the previous match, was moved to the number three spot in this match. Despite the loss, Bhurtel expressed confidence that the team could still reach the playoffs if they win at least four of their remaining five matches. 

Meanwhile, Janakpur Bolts continued their impressive form, maintaining an undefeated record in the tournament with three wins out of three matches. They comfortably chased down Pokhara’s target of 139 runs in 17.1 overs. Janakpur’s chase was anchored by the explosive Jimmy Neesham, who played a crucial role with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 40 off just 20 balls. His quickfire knock helped the Bolts reach the target with ease, despite early setbacks. Aasif Sheikh (33 off 34 balls) and Lahiru Milantha (45 off 32 balls) also made valuable contributions, while the Bolts’ top order built partnerships to stay ahead of the required run rate.

The standout performer for Janakpur was Neesham, who was named Player of the Match for his brilliant all-round performance. Neesham’s rapid knock with the bat and his contribution to the chase earned him the accolade. 

Lalit Rajbanshi, another standout performer for Janakpur, was instrumental with the ball, taking three crucial wickets, including the dismissals of Pokhara’s key batsmen. He has been in outstanding form this season, having taken seven wickets across three matches, and his performance against Pokhara added to his growing reputation as one of the tournament’s top bowlers. Rajbanshi credited his success to preparation and discipline, saying that he had been mentally ready for his role in the powerplay overs. “I bowl by giving my 100 percent in the role given by the coach and captain,” Rajbanshi said after the match. He also expressed optimism about continuing the team’s strong performances throughout the tournament, with aspirations to be the highest wicket-taker of the season.

In the second match on Thursday, Sudurpaschim Royals emerged victorious by 73 runs against Kathmandu Gurkhas.

Batting first after winning the toss, Sudurpaschim posted a challenging total of 167/6 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was anchored by the explosive Brandon McMullen, who top-scored with 53 off 36 balls, including three fours and four sixes, maintaining an impressive strike rate of 147.22. McMullen’s partnership with Binod Bhandari (35 off 28 balls, two fours, two sixes) was key, as they added 50 runs off just 35 balls during the powerplay. Captain Dipendra Singh Airee also contributed with a quickfire 43 runs off 25 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes, helping the team build momentum. 

Kathmandu Gurkhas, in response, quickly crumbled under the pressure of Sudurpaschim’s disciplined bowling. Naren Saud, who had just returned from the ACC U19 Asia Cup the previous day, played a pivotal role in dismantling the Kathmandu lineup. Saud claimed remarkable figures of 5/19, becoming only the second bowler to take a five-wicket haul in the ongoing NPL, following Pakistani pacer Sohail Tanvir’s feat. He dismissed key players, starting with the dangerous Stephen Eskinazi, who top-scored for Kathmandu with 37 runs. Saud then took the wickets of Gerhard Erasmus (10) and Rashid Khan (2), both caught by Rohan Mustafa. His spell was further highlighted by two wickets in the 16th over, where he removed Karan KC and Shahab Alam for just one run each, reducing Kathmandu to a meager 94 all out in just 15.5 overs.

In an emotional moment after the match, Saud expressed his gratitude to Sudurpaschim’s captain Airee and coach Jagat Tamata, whose encouragement inspired him to perform. Saud mentioned that he had planned to take the Player of the Match award even before the game began, and his determination led him to claim the crucial wickets that sealed the win for Sudurpaschim. His favorite wicket of the match was that of Erasmus, who had just hit a six before being dismissed LBW by Saud.

This victory marked Sudurpaschim Royals’ second consecutive win in the NPL.

The NPL continues to thrill cricket fans with two exciting matches scheduled for Friday. The 10th match of the tournament will see Karnali Yaks take on Chitwan Rhinos at 9:15 am. Later in the day, at 1:15 pm, the Lumbini Lions will face off against the Pokhara Avengers in the 11th match.

Wednesday at the Nepal Premier League (NPL) witnessed two nail-biting matches. Kathmandu Gurkhas clinched a three-wicket victory over Karnali Yaks in the first match, while Biratnagar Kings chased down the highest target of the tournament so far, defeating Lumbini Lions by two wickets in a dramatic finish.  

Kathmandu, winning the toss and electing to field at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, faced a target of 150 runs. They secured the win in 19.3 overs, thanks to Sumit Maharjan’s unbeaten 40 off 37 balls, which earned him the Player of the Match award. Captain Karan KC’s explosive 28 off 10 balls proved pivotal in the final moments.  

Batting first, Karnali posted 149/5 in their 20 overs, driven by Indian batsman Shikhar Dhawan’s unbeaten 72 off 51 balls. However, Karnali’s captain Sompal Kami acknowledged that they fell short of a more competitive total. “We were 10-20 runs short on this wicket, and our death-over batting did not go as planned,” Kami said.  

Kathmandu’s chase began with early setbacks, but steady contributions from Maharjan and Gerald Erasmus (38 off 28 balls) turned the tide.  

“Sumit’s innings was mature and consistent. He took the game forward brilliantly,” said KC, who also highlighted areas for improvement in bowling during the final overs.  

For Karnali, it was their second consecutive defeat. Kami praised Dhawan’s leadership, emphasizing his vital role in guiding the team. “Dhawan’s composure and planning have been crucial. Our young players will learn from his example,” he added.  

This victory marked Kathmandu’s first win in the tournament.

Biratnagar Kings chased a daunting 192-run target to secure their first win of the season. Lokesh Bam played a starring role, scoring 71 off 47 balls and forming a vital 77-run partnership with Bashir Ahmed (40 off 23 balls) for the fifth wicket. Bam also shared insights into the team’s mindset and strategy. “Despite the big target, I went in with confidence. Before going out to bat, we discussed opening well and trusting each other to win,” Bam said.

Biratnagar’s chase came down to the wire, with Chris Sole’s unbeaten 14 off four balls sealing the game in the final over. “We planned to maintain a run rate of 11-12. I had told my teammates in the morning that we would win,” Bam added.

Despite misfields and conceding 29 extra runs, including half from Bam himself as wicketkeeper, the team’s calculated chase secured the dramatic victory. Bam acknowledged the challenges of the Tribhuvan University ground and emphasized adapting to its conditions. “The wicket here is tough to bat on. Nepali players should adapt and become match winners,” he noted.

Lumbini had earlier posted 191/7, with Rohit Paudel scoring a brisk 46 off 29 balls. However, the decision to have Bivek Yadav bowl the last over proved costly as he conceded 15 runs, handing the victory to Biratnagar. “Bivek was a better option for the final over, with two right-handers on strike. If I bowled, the game could’ve ended in three balls,” said captain Paudel, defending his choice.

Though Yadav contributed a fiery unbeaten 19 off seven balls with the bat, his bowling was expensive, conceding 64 runs in 23 deliveries.

This win marked a much-needed turnaround for Biratnagar after two losses, while Lumbini began their campaign with a defeat.

The second match on Tuesday at the Nepal Premier League (NPL) at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, featured a clash between two Kushals—Pokhara Avengers’ captain Kushal Bhurtel and Chitwan Rhinos’ skipper Kushal Malla. It was a nightmare for Bhurtel’s side as Pokhara, in their first NPL game, suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Malla’s team.

Batting first, the Rhinos set a competitive total of 161/7 in 20 overs. Ravi Bopara anchored the innings with a composed 51 off 38 balls, supported by skipper Malla’s quickfire 38 off 23 deliveries. Despite early setbacks, their crucial 50-run partnership stabilized the innings, with Amar Routela adding late fireworks with an unbeaten 13 off six balls. For Pokhara, Raymon Reifer and Bas de Leede picked up two wickets each, preventing further damage.

Pokhara’s chase disintegrated spectacularly, as they were bowled out for just 74 runs in 13.2 overs. Sohail Tanvir delivered a devastating spell, claiming three wickets in his first over and conceding only six runs overall. Rijan Dhakal and Luc Benkenstein also picked up three wickets apiece, ensuring the Avengers never recovered.

Pokhara’s batting lineup crumbled during the powerplay, scoring a mere 16 runs while losing six wickets.  At one point, they had scored just seven runs for the loss of six wickets. Narayan Joshi’s 30 off 24 balls was the only saving grace in an otherwise dismal batting display, while captain Bhurtel endured the embarrassment of a golden duck.

The Rhinos’ disciplined bowling attack and sharp fielding set the tone for a one-sided affair. Tanvir’s fiery opening spell and Bhurtel’s early dismissal defined the match, propelling Chitwan to the top of the table with four points after winning both of their games.

Despite the crushing defeat, Pokhara Avengers coach Rajiv Kumar remained optimistic. “Sometimes in cricket, you get all out for low scores. This was our first match of the tournament, and we batted poorly due to some mistakes. On the other hand, Chitwan had good bowlers who bowled in the right areas,” said Kumar, who previously served as the batting coach for IPL’s Chennai Super Kings.

Kumar emphasized that the Avengers have a strong batting lineup and vowed to address the team’s shortcomings. Reflecting on the shocking collapse, he added, “Nobody wants to be in that situation. We’ll analyze what went wrong and work to bounce back stronger in the upcoming matches.”

Biratnagar lose again

In the first match on Tuesday, Sudurpaschim Royals cruised to a commanding 90-run victory over Biratnagar Kings. With this, Sudurpaschim has started their NPL journey with a victory while Biratnagar lost both games they played. Earlier, they were defeated by Janakpur Bolts in the inaugural match of NPL.

After being put in to bat, Sudurpaschim posted a competitive total of 182/7 in 20 overs, thanks to a brilliant unbeaten knock of 57 from captain Dipendra Singh Airee, who struck three fours and five sixes off just 24 balls. This is the highest total in the tournament so far. Brandon McMullen (36) and Binod Bhandari (23) provided solid support, though the Royals lost regular wickets. 

In response, Biratnagar Kings struggled to chase the target, collapsing to 92 all out in 16.1 overs. None of their batsmen could build partnerships, and they were dismissed cheaply, with the Royals’ bowlers, led by Scott Kuggeleijn (3/30) and Abinash Bohara (3/17), dominating the Kings’ batting lineup. Martin Guptill was a duck. Biratnagar’s skipper Lamichhane is yet to take any wickets in this tournament. 

Airee’s all-around performance earned him the Player of the Match award as his side secured a comfortable win. He expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, saying, “The first match is done, and I am very happy. I was able to help my team win by playing well. Now, I plan to perform well in the remaining matches.” 

He noted that the wicket was slow initially, prompting him to focus on singles and doubles. As the team’s finisher, he aimed to bat last, which contributed to the team’s success. He also praised his bowlers, particularly highlighting McMullen’s ability to swing the ball, which suited the pitch conditions.

Nepal U19 edge past Afghanistan

In a nail-biting contest at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Nepal U19 secured a dramatic one-wicket win over Afghanistan Under-19s in the 10th Group B match of the ACC Under-19s Asia Cup on Tuesday. The victory came with 51 balls to spare, as Nepal chased down a modest target of 124 runs.

Opting to bat first, Afghanistan struggled against Nepal’s disciplined bowling attack, collapsing to 123 all out in 35.4 overs. Faisal Shinozada’s 52 off 67 balls was the lone standout performance for Afghanistan, while Nepal’s Santosh Yadav and Unish Thakuri claimed three wickets apiece. Hemant Dhami and Abhisekh Tiwari chipped in with two wickets each to keep Afghanistan under pressure.

Nepal’s chase, however, was far from straightforward. Wickets tumbled regularly as Afghanistan's AM Ghazanfar and Khatir Stanikzai took three scalps each, putting Nepal on the back foot. At one stage, Nepal was teetering at 115/9. Captain Hemant Dhami (22 not out off 33 balls) held his nerve to guide his team to victory, supported by tailender Unish Thakuri.

With this win, Nepal moves to third place in Group B, keeping their tournament hopes alive. Meanwhile, Afghanistan remains winless after three matches, languishing at the bottom of the table.

In the second match of the second day of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), the Janakpur Bolts defeated the Karnali Yaks by eight wickets at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. Chasing a target of 142 runs, Janakpur comfortably reached the target in just 15.1 overs. This win places them at the top of the league table with four points, boasting two wins from two games.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, the Karnali Yaks struggled to build momentum, losing wickets at regular intervals. Captain Sompal Kami’s explosive knock of 29 runs off 13 balls and Arjun Gharti’s quickfire 33 off 22 balls salvaged their innings, helping them post a total of 141/7 in 20 overs. Star player Shikhar Dhawan, however, managed only 14 runs off 14 balls.

The Bolts’ bowlers were disciplined, with Mohammad Mohsin (4-0-14-2) and Lalit Rajbanshi (4-0-16-1) delivering standout performances. Harsh Thaker and Jimmy Neesham also contributed with crucial wickets.

Janakpur’s chase was anchored by skipper Anil Sah, who remained unbeaten on 62 off 42 balls. He was well-supported by Aasif Sheikh (36 off 29 balls) and Lahiru Milantha (24 off 13 balls). Neesham sealed the victory with a brisk 16 not out off eight balls, finishing the chase in style.

Karnali’s bowlers struggled to contain the opposition. Zeeshan Maqsood (4-0-33-1) and Mousom Dhakal (2.1-0-25-1) claimed wickets, but the target proved insufficient to defend. On paper, Karnali’s lineup is among the strongest in the league, yet they were outperformed by Janakpur.

Earlier, in the first game on Monday, the Chitwan Rhinos secured a decisive five-wicket victory over the Kathmandu Gurkhas in a low-scoring match. After electing to field, the Rhinos’ bowlers, led by Player of the Match Sohail Tanvir, dismantled the Gurkhas’ batting lineup. Tanvir’s stellar performance of 5/21 in four overs, including key wickets like Stephen Eskinazi and captain Karan KC, left the Gurkhas struggling. Despite resistance from Sumit Maharjan (29 off 41) and Michael Levitt (25 off 16), the Gurkhas could only post a modest 111/9 in 20 overs.

In response, the Rhinos chased down the target with 17 balls to spare, finishing at 114/5 in 17.1 overs. While Shahab Alam impressed with 3/20 for the Gurkhas, the Rhinos’ batting depth, including contributions from Luc Benkenstein (22 off 17), Santosh Karki (28* off 31), and Sharad Vesawkar (11* off 21), ensured a comfortable win.

Tanvir praises Nepali fans

“Playing cricket in front of Nepali fans is a fun experience,” said the 39-year-old Pakistani bowler Tanvir, who won the IPL title with Rajasthan in 2008 and was part of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup-winning team in 2009.

He became the first player to claim five wickets in a single NPL match. “If you can’t play cricket in front of an audience, it’s no fun. I had watched a video about Nepali cricket fans before. That’s why I was expecting a lot of supporters in today’s match as well. I want to thank all the fans who came to the field today.”

He also emphasized his desire to support young players in the Chitwan team by sharing his vast experience. “We have young players in our team. I am ready to share my 20 years of experience, not just for my team but for others as well. I have already informed the team management that I’m eager to support Nepali cricket in every way.”

Tanvir highlighted the potential of the NPL in improving Nepal’s cricketing standards. “If this league continues in the coming days, it will greatly benefit Nepali cricket. I started my T20 career with the IPL, and since then, T20 cricket has evolved a lot.”

Reflecting on his performance, Tanvir attributed his success to experience and strategic bowling. “I have played more than 400 cricket matches, and that experience worked today. I bowled by observing the conditions. Bowling in T20s is never easy, especially on a slow pitch like today’s. It was a lucky day for me because I bowled according to the plan, and it worked,” he said.

Tuesday will feature doubleheaders, with the Sudurpaschim Royals taking on the Biratnagar Kings at 9:15 am, followed by the Chitwan Rhinos facing the Pokhara Avengers at 1.15 pm. Biratnagar, coming off a defeat, will aim to bounce back, while Chitwan looks to secure a second consecutive win. Meanwhile, Sudurpaschim and Pokhara will be seeking their first victories in their opening NPL games.

The Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2024 began with an exciting showdown as Janakpur Bolts dominated Biratnagar Kings, claiming an eight-wicket victory at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur on Saturday. Janakpur’s disciplined bowling and stellar batting performance marked a strong start to the season.  

After being put to bat by Janakpur, Biratnagar Kings were bundled out for 127 runs in 19 overs. Martin Guptill was the lone warrior for Biratnagar, scoring 55 runs off 43 balls, including seven fours and one six. However, he lacked substantial support from his teammates as Janakpur’s bowlers dominated.

Lalit Rajbanshi was the pick of the bowlers for Janakpur, delivering a remarkable spell of 3/28 in his four overs. Harsh Thaker also made a significant impact with figures of 3/22, while Kishore Mahato and Mohammad Mohsin picked up two and one wickets respectively. Biratnagar’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure, with no other batsman managing to cross 15 runs apart from Guptill.  

Chasing 128 for victory, Janakpur faced a brief scare, losing openers Aasif Sheikh (0) and Anil Sah (5) early in the innings. However, Lahiru Milantha anchored the innings with a stunning unbeaten 75 off 53 balls, decorated with nine fours and three sixes. He was well supported by Thaker, who scored a steady 29 not out off 33 deliveries.  

The duo’s partnership ensured Janakpur reached the target comfortably in just 15.3 overs, with 27 balls remaining. 

Milantha’s match-winning knock earned him the Player of the Match award, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting season for Janakpur Bolts.

Guptill has stated that batting at the TU Ground is not easy. He explained, “It was difficult to take wickets. It wasn’t easy to bat at first.” Guptill expressed confidence that Biratnagar will improve its performance in the upcoming match. “We didn’t do well in the first match, but we’ll come back stronger in the second match,” he said.

He also mentioned that he had ‘enjoyed’ playing cricket in Nepal. “The people of Nepal are very welcoming. I’m very happy to play in front of thousands of spectators in the first match here. I’ve learned that Nepalis love cricket,” he added. “I didn’t know much about Nepali cricket before, but I’ve learned a lot after today’s match.”

Janakpur is eyeing its second consecutive win as they prepare for their next match on Monday. The NPL action continues with exciting fixtures on the same day, including Kathmandu Gurkhas vs Chitwan Rhinos at 9:15 am, followed by Janakpur Bolts vs Karnali Yaks at 1:15 pm. All the matches throughout the league are set to take place at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.

The league will culminate with the playoffs, starting with the Eliminator on Dec 18, followed by Qualifiers on Dec 18 and 19. The grand finale is scheduled for Dec 21.  

Besides the match summary, there was a lot to discuss about the event’s organization. The management team needs to step up their performance, as there were significant issues with crowd control and coordination. Many accredited journalists were unable to enter the venue because their press cards had not been printed by the organizing side. Additionally, spectators who had purchased tickets faced difficulties in accessing the gates. Some, despite having valid tickets, were forced to turn back without being able to watch the game.

Frustrated spectators in line expressed their anger, saying they endured significant hardship after purchasing tickets.

The CAN had sold 10,000 tickets for Saturday’s game online, with tickets available three days in advance. However, despite purchasing tickets online, spectators were still required to stand in long queues to exchange them for physical tickets, adding to the inconvenience.

There were repeated clashes between the police and spectators outside the stadium. As spectators with tickets rushed to enter, some were injured when they were crushed by the crowd. Attempts to force entry through the gates led to further conflict, with the police intervening to control the situation. Unfortunately, several spectators were injured, and five spectators along with two policemen were reported to have sustained injuries during the chaos.