Janakpur Bolts Claim 8-Wicket Victory in NPL 2024 Opener
KATHMANDU: Janakpur Bolts defeated the Biratnagar Kings by a commanding 8-wicket margin, in the inaugural match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2024 season, at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground Kirtipur. Janakpur had an easy start thanks to a well-balanced bat and ball performance.
Janakpur chose to field first after winning the toss, and their bowlers quickly gained ground. With three wickets for 28 runs in four overs, Lalit Rajbanshi initiated the attack. He was assisted by Harsh Thaker and Kishor Mahato, who each took two wickets and held Biratnagar to a disappointing 127 runs in 19 overs. Ben Mike and Mohammad Mohsin each contributed one wicket to complete a well-coordinated bowling effort.
Martin Guptill was the Kings' most impressive player, scoring 55 runs off 43 balls, including seven boundaries and a six. Guptill gave it his all, but Biratnagar was left reeling after he was dismissed after hitting his half-century. Because no other batter reached double figures, their batting performance was subpar.
Biratnagar’s innings lacked momentum, starting with the early dismissal of opener Lokesh Bam for 5 runs in the second over, bowled by Rajbanshi. The middle-order collapsed, with Nicholas Krutten, Rajesh Pulami, and Pratish GC falling cheaply. The lower order also faltered, with Basir Ahmed and Sandeep Lamichhane contributing just 7 runs each, while Jitendra Mukhiya went out for a duck.
Chasing a modest target of 128, Janakpur began shakily, losing opener Asif Sheikh for a duck in the first over to Chris Sole, who also conceded three wides. Captain Anil Sah followed soon after, bowled by Pratish GC for 5 runs, leaving Janakpur at 15 for 2.
However, the Bolts quickly recovered, thanks to an unbeaten 116-run partnership between Lahiru Milantha and Harsh Thaker. Milantha, born in Sri Lanka and representing the United States, delivered a stellar knock of 75 runs off 53 balls, studded with nine fours and three sixes.
With two boundaries and 29 runs off 33 balls, Thaker offered consistent support. The two took advantage of Biratnagar's unreliable bowling, which allowed 22 extras. Thaker's boundary to seal the win demonstrated Janakpur's superiority.
The bowlers from Biratnagar were unable to maintain pressure despite early breakthroughs. The only bowler who made any kind of effect was Chris Sole, who claimed one wicket for 31 runs in three overs. Because of the lack of discipline in the rest of the attack, Janakpur was able to easily pursue the target.
Guptill was the only player to show resistance, highlighting the batting issues facing the Biratnagar Kings. Their inability to establish partnerships or halt Janakpur's bowling put them in a difficult position in the second innings.
The Janakpur Bolts have a solid start and confidence going into the remainder of the campaign thanks to this victory. On the other side, the Biratnagar Kings will have to get back together fast to solve their inconsistent bowling and batting shortcomings.
Lahiru Milantha won Player of the Match for his game-winning innings. His aggressive yet calm hitting demonstrated his importance to the team's victory.
Janakpur has set a high bar for the Nepal Premier League 2024 with their decisive victory, indicating an intriguing season to come. The Bolts are the early favorites, and Biratnagar will have to make a fast turnaround in their next game.
