NPL: Janakpur Bolts Secure Final Spot with Victory Over Karnali Yaks

Janakpur Bolts triumphed over Karnali Yaks in the second qualifier match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), securing their place in the tournament final. The match, held at Tribhuvan University’s Cricket Ground, saw Janakpur achieve a comfortable win while chasing a target of 119 runs set by Karnali.

Janakpur Bolts reached the target with ease in just 19 overs. Star all-rounder James Neesham delivered a match-winning performance, smashing 45 runs off just 17 balls, including two boundaries and five sixes. Sher Malla remained unbeaten with 16 runs, while Harsh Thakur added 17. Contributions from Mayan Yadav (15) and Akash Tripathi (13) further solidified the team’s chase.

On the bowling front for Karnali, Bipin Prasad Sharma was the standout, claiming three wickets. Sompal Kami, William Bosisto, and Zeeshan Maqsood picked up one wicket each.

After losing the toss, Karnali Yaks were sent to bat and managed 118 runs in 20 overs, losing nine wickets. Gulshan Jha was the top scorer with 25 runs, hitting one four and two sixes. Opener Dev Khanal contributed 24 runs with three boundaries and one six, while William Bosisto added 14. Zeeshan Maqsood and Unish Thakuri chipped in 12 runs each, but the rest of the lineup struggled to make an impact.

For Janakpur, James Neesham, Mohammad Mohsin, and Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi took two wickets apiece. Harsh Thakur and Sher Malla also added to the wicket tally with one each.

Janakpur Bolts will now face Sudurpaschim Royals in the NPL final on December 21. The highly anticipated match will be held at Tribhuvan University’s Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, concluding an exciting season of the Nepal Premier League.