Bolts on top of Yaks

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.