KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 21
Janakpur Bolts exacted sweet revenge on Sudurpaschim Royals by defeating them in the final to claim the inaugural Nepal Premier League trophy, overturning their earlier loss in the tournament.
With this victory, Janakpur Bolts won the trophy and cash prize of Rs11 million.
Sri Lankan Lahiru Milantha orchestrated a masterful run-chase with a blistering 87 off just 49 deliveries, featuring nine boundaries and four sixes, silencing the Sudurpaschim Royals' fans at a packed TU Cricket Stadium in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, today.
Wicketkeeper and opener Lahiru Milantha was deservedly named Player of the Match for his match-winning innings and exceptional performance behind the stumps.
Chasing a target of 185 in the final, Janakpur Bolts secured a thrilling victory with five wickets in hand and four balls to spare, clinching the coveted trophy against the heavily favored Sudurpaschim Royals.
The Royals won the toss and opted to bat, setting a challenging total of 184/9 in their allotted 20 overs.
Saif Zaib and Binod Bhandari provided a stellar start with a 117-run opening partnership in just 12 overs. Zaib, who was dropped twice during his whirlwind knock of 69 off 43 balls, smashed eight boundaries and two sixes before being caught by Lalit Rajbanshi at long-on off Kishore Mahato's bowling.
Bhandari followed shortly after, departing for 41 off 31 balls, which included one boundary and three sixes, without troubling the scoreboard.
Despite their impressive start, the Royals' middle order failed to capitalize, with batsmen unable to convert their starts into substantial contributions.
At one stage, the Royals looked set to post a score near 200, but the Janakpur Bolts tightened their grip, taking wickets at regular intervals and restricting them to 184.
Kishore Mahato and Mohammad Mohsin shared six wickets between them, while Lalit Rajbanshi bowled an economical spell, conceding just 15 runs in his four overs and picking up a wicket. James Neesham, though expensive, claimed one wicket while giving away 44 runs in his four overs.
In reply, The Janakpur Bolts' openers came out firing, leveraging the powerplay to lay a solid foundation with a blazing 73-run partnership.
Stand-in skipper Aasif Sheikh, replacing Anil Sah, smashed 33 off just 19 balls, featuring four boundaries and two sixes. Harsh Thaker contributed an unbeaten 30 off 24 deliveries, including two sixes, providing stability.
However, it was Lahiru Milantha's majestic knock of 89 runs that decisively shifted the game in Janakpur's favor. His innings, studded with power and precision, effectively neutralized the Sudurpaschim Royals' bowling attack.
Milantha's dismissal came in the 15th over when he was caught and bowled by Scott Kuggeleijn, leaving 19 runs required off 21 balls with seven wickets in hand. Earlier, Milantha had a lucky escape when Dipendra Singh Airee dropped him in the deep after he mistimed a shot to the long-on region.
Hard-hitting James Neesham fell shortly after, bowled by Airee in the 17th over, but by then, the Bolts had the game firmly in their grasp.
The Royals fought valiantly to make the chase as challenging as possible, but the equation heavily favored the Bolts. With the target within reach, Janakpur calmly nudged the ball around the field to seal victory, sparking jubilant celebrations in the stadium.
The crowd erupted with roaring cheers, and the atmosphere was electric as dust clouds rose from the stands where fans danced to the DJ's beats, celebrating their team's triumph in the inaugural Nepal Premier League.
Former prime ministers Sher Bahadur Deuba and Pushpa Kamal Dahal jointly presented the trophy to the Janakpur Bolts captain.
Speaking to Andrew Leonard after the game, Sudurpaschim Royals skipper Dipendra Singh Airee said, "Winning and losing are part of the game. Credit to Janakpur Bolts; they played exceptional cricket. We look forward to making a strong comeback in the days ahead."
Other awards:
Saif Zaib of Sudurpaschim Royals was named Player of the Tournament and received a cash prize of NPR 500,000. Dipendra Singh Airee, also from Sudurpaschim Royals, earned the title of Best Player of the Tournament and was presented with an Amoda EV car.
Janakpur Bolts' standout performer, Lalit Rajbanshi, was honored as the Best Bowler of the Tournament and rewarded with a motorbike. Bipin Sharma claimed the Emerging Player accolade, earning a cash prize of NPR 50,000 along with a scholarship worth NPR 100,000.
James Neesham was recognized as the Energetic Player of the Tournament, securing a cash prize of NPR 200,000. Lahiru Milantha took home the Maximum Fours Award for his remarkable tally of 38 boundaries throughout the tournament.
The Fair Play Award was given to Lumbini Lions, who, despite finishing at the bottom of the eight-team table, exemplified exemplary sportsmanship.
