Janakpur Bolts Crowned Champions of Nepal Premier League’s Inaugural Season

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Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda jointly presented trophies to NPL champion players on Saturday.
Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda jointly presented trophies to NPL champion players on Saturday. Photo: Pradeep Raj Onta/RSS

Janakpur Bolts emerged victorious in the historic first season of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) T20 Cricket Tournament, defeating Sudurpaschim Royals by five wickets in a thrilling final match held at Kirtipur’s TU Cricket Ground.

The Bolts chased a target of 185 runs set by Sudurpaschim Royals, achieving victory in just 19.2 overs. Janakpur’s opening pair, Lahiru Milantha and Aasif Sheikh, laid a strong foundation with a 73-run partnership. Milantha’s phenomenal 87 runs off 49 balls, featuring nine fours and four sixes, and Sheikh’s quickfire 33 runs off 19 balls, paved the way for the win. Contributions from Harsh Thaker (30 runs) and supporting players secured their triumph.

Sudurpaschim Royals, having opted to bat first after winning the toss, managed to post a total of 184/9 in their 20 overs. Saif Zaib and Binod Bhandari shone with an impressive opening partnership of 117 runs. Zaib scored 69 runs off 43 balls with eight fours and two sixes, while Bhandari contributed 41 runs off 31 balls. However, the middle and lower order failed to capitalize on the start, thanks to disciplined bowling from the Bolts’ Kishore Mahato and Mohammad Mohsin, who claimed three wickets each.

Prize Distribution:

Champions (Janakpur Bolts): Rs 11 million + Trophy

Runners-up (Sudurpaschim Royals): Rs 5.1 million

Third Place Team: Rs 2.5 million

Fourth Place Team: Rs 1.5 million

The Nepal Premier League, organized by the Cricket Association of Nepal, marks a significant milestone in Nepal’s cricketing journey, with its inaugural season showcasing thrilling matches and rising talent.

#NPL2024 #JanakpurBolts #NepalCricket #CricketFinals #SportsInNepal

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