Janakpur tops NPL table with dramatic 1-run win over Lumbini

KATHMANDU: At Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Janakpur Bolts defeated Lumbini Lions by a thrilling 1 run on Friday in their Nepal Premier League (NPL) match. Lumbini found it difficult to remain in the running after the victory, which improved Janakpur's prospects of making the playoffs.

Lumbini Lions failed to reach their aim of 137 runs, scoring just 135/7 in 20 overs. Sundeep Jora's expulsion guaranteed Janakpur their fourth consecutive victory, but the game came down to the final ball, with two runs needed to win. 

Lumbini's captain, Rohit Paudel, scored the most runs at 35 off 38 balls, with Tom Moores (31) and Arjun Saud (20) following closely behind. However, a lack of collaborations turned out to be expensive.

Leading Janakpur's bowling attack was Harsh Thaker, who took an incredible five wickets while giving up just 23 runs. To thwart Lumbini's pursuit, Lalit Rajbanshi, Kishore Mahato, and Sher Malla each claimed a wicket.

Janakpur was sent to bat earlier and scored a decent 136/9. Anil Kumar Sah, the captain, was outstanding with 45 off 39 balls, which included four sixes and a boundary. With 22 runs unbroken, Shubh Kansakar made vital runs in the closing moments. 

With three wickets in one over and the dismissal of important batsmen Lahiru Milantha (24), Harsh Thaker (1), and James Neesham (0), Lumbini rookie Abhishesh Gautam put on a strong bowling display. Jora contributed one wicket, while Rohit Paudel and Saad Zafar both claimed two.

With this win, Janakpur's hopes of making the playoffs were cemented as they topped the points table with eight points from four games. Lumbini, on the other hand, languished at the bottom of the standings after four games without a victory.

Lumbini now has to win all three of their remaining games and hope for favorable results from other games in order to remain in the running for the playoffs.