KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 8

Harsh Thaker's remarkable five-wicket haul powered Janakpur Bolts to a thrilling one-run victory over Lumbini Lions while defending a modest total of 136 in the Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League match at the TU Cricket Ground in Kathmandu on Sunday.

Tasked with defending eight runs in the final over, Thaker delivered under pressure. He dismissed Saad Bin Zafar, caught behind, with the first ball of the over. Durgesh Gupta then struck a boundary but missed the next delivery, leaving Lumbini needing four runs from three balls.

Sundeep Jora managed a risky two runs on the penultimate delivery, bringing the equation to two runs needed for victory or one for a Super Over. Opting for a decisive finish, Jora attempted a match-winning six but was caught at mid-wicket, sealing a nail-biting victory for the Bolts.

In reply, Lumbini Lions set out to chase a modest target of 137 but lost opener Ashutosh Ghiraiya early for just 8 runs. Captain Rohit Paudel and Tom Moores steadied the innings, scoring 35 and 31 runs respectively. The Lions appeared to be cruising toward victory at 105/3 in the 16th over.

However, a flurry of quick wickets, as the Lions attempted aggressive shots, left them on the brink of defeat.

Thaker was adjudged man-of-the-match for his scintalling performance with 4-0-23-5. Sher Malla, Kishore Mahato and Lalit Rajbanshi chipped in with a wicket each.

With this thrilling victory, Janakpur Bolts secured their place at the top of the table with 8 points from four matches.

Earlier, after winning the toss, Lumbini Lions elected to field first and successfully restricted Janakpur Bolts to 136/9 in their allotted 20 overs.

Openers Anil Sah and Aasif Sheikh provided a solid start with a 48-run partnership. Sah emerged as the top scorer for the Bolts, amassing 45 runs off 39 balls, including a boundary and four towering sixes.

However, the innings faltered following the dismissal of Lahiru Milantha, with the Bolts managing only 36 runs thereafter. Shubh Kansakar remained unbeaten on 22 as wickets tumbled at the other end.

Abhishesh Gautam delivered a stellar performance with the ball, claiming three crucial wickets, including the set batsman Lahiru Milantha, as well as Harsh Thaker and the in-form James Neesham, both dismissed cheaply.

Saad Bin Zafar and Rohit Paudel chipped in with two wickets each, while Sundeep Jora added one to his tally.

In the second match of the day, Sudur Paschim Royals take on Chitwan Rhinos.