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Bradley John Hodge, famously known as the “Smiling Assassin,” was a classic, elegant right-handed batsman who left a lasting impression with his signature blue Kookaburra bat sticker and the mesmerizing strokes he played during his prime. Representing Australia and his Sheffield team, Hodge also led the Victoria Cricket Team, a powerhouse of talent during the early days of T20 cricket. Victoria was often referred to as Australia’s “B team” due to the extraordinary players it produced, including Hodge himself, Cameron White, David Hussey, Peter Siddle, and Aaron Finch, all of whom posed significant threats to opponents.

Hodge was undoubtedly one of the most revolutionary batsmen of his time, with an exceptional understanding of the game, thanks to his vast experience. Before the rise of T20 cricket, he had already made his mark, holding records that showcased his dominance in the highest form of the game. As the highest run-scorer in Australian domestic cricket for Victoria and a T20 format champion, his credentials are unparalleled.

Although his international career was relatively short, in an era where securing a spot in the Australian national team was an extraordinary achievement, Hodge still averaged above 50 in Test cricket. He was also a proud member of the victorious 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup squad. Hodge truly shone in the T20 leagues, showcasing his elegant stroke play, big-hitting ability that cleared even the largest fences, and his astute captaincy. His contributions to the IPL during its early years were immense, as he brought vast experience and served as a crucial member of his franchise until his retirement.

As a coach, Hodge’s wealth of experience has benefited many international teams and franchise squads. His impact is now set to be felt by the Sudurpaschim Royals, not just because of his expertise but also due to his sheer presence, which is sure to electrify the crowd. Coaching a Nepali-based team is always a bonus, but having a personality like Brad Hodge, with his immense experience and stature, is a significant advantage.

Hodge, aka “Brad Hodge,” brings a “Big B” aura to the team, capable of polishing Nepal’s undiscovered diamonds. His contributions will undoubtedly be invaluable, not just for the franchise but for Nepali cricket as a whole.

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.

Chitwan Rhinos defeated Sudurpaschim Royals by 33 runs on Sunday.

This is Sudurpaschim's first defeat in the Nepal Premier League so far. Sudurpaschim had trounced Biratnagar Kings, Kathmandu Gurkhas and Lumbini Lions before this.

Chasing a target of 165-run set by Chitwan Rhinos in the match played at TU Cricket Ground, Sudurpaschim were limited to 131 runs in 18.2 overs losing all the wickets.

Ishan Pandey made the highest 35 runs for Sudurpaschim. He hit four boundaries and one six in 19 balls. Similarly, Saif Zaib scored 18 runs in 11 balls, Binod Bhandari 10 runs, Dilpreet Bajwa 12 runs and Naren Saud 10 runs.

For Chitwan Rhinos, skipper Kushal Malla, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton and Amar Singh Rautela took two wickets each while Rijan Dhakal and Ranjit Kumal took one wicket each.

Chitwan Rhinos, which won the toss and opted to bat first, scored 164 runs in the allotted 20 overs. 

Opener Hassan Eisakhil made 65 runs with the help of six fours and three sixes in 52 balls. Similarly, Ravi Bopara made 36 runs, including two boundaries and two sixes in 18 balls and captain Kushal Malla hit 13 runs in 16 balls. Bipin Rawal made 17 runs.

For Sudurpaschim, Scott Kuggeleijn took two wickets while Saif Zaib, Dipendra Singh Airee and Brandon MacMullen took one wicket each.

Janakpur Bolts defeated Lumbini Lions by one run in the ongoing Nepal Premier League on Sunday.

It is the fourth consecutive win of Janakpur Bolts in the NPL. Earlier, they had defeated Biratnagar, Karnali and Pokhara.

In the match played at TU Cricket Ground, Kirtipur today, the Lumbini Lions were chasing the target of 137 runs, but they lost eight wickets in 20 overs, thereby limiting them to 135 runs.

Rohit Kumar Paudel made 35 runs off 38 balls. He hit three fours to make up the runs. Tom Moores and Sundeep Jora were in the team to collect runs, while others failed to ensure runs in double digit.

On the other hand, Harsha Thokar took highest five wickets for Janakpur, while Kishor Mahato, Sher Malla and Lalit Rajbansi took one wicket each.

Earlier, invited to batting first, the Janakpur Bolts made a total of 136 runs in 20 overs at the loss of nine wickets. Captain Anil Shah was able to secure highest 45 runs. He hit one four and four sixes in 39 balls.

Similarly, Lahiru Milantha made 24 runs, Shubh Kansakar 22 runs and opener and marquee player Aasif Sheikh 16 runs.

In the same match, Abhisekh Gautam who made debut for Lumbini took three wickets and skipper Rohit Paudel and Saad Bin Zafar two wickets each. Sundeep Jora took one wicket.

It is the fourth consecutive defeat of Lumbini. Earlier, they were defeated by Biratnagar Kings, Pokhara Avengers and Sudurpaschim Royals.