NPL: Janakpur Bolts secures third consecutive win

Kathmandu, Dec 5: Janakpur Bolts secured their third consecutive win in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) cricket tournament by winning today’s first match held at the Kirtipur-based Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground.

In the match, the team defeated Pokhara Avengers by seven wickets, successfully chasing down a target of 139 runs in 17.1 overs, losing three wickets along the way. Lahiru Milantha top-scored for Janakpur Bolts with 45 runs, followed by James Neesham’s 40, Aasif Sheikh’s 32, Harsha Thakur’s 13, and Anil Shah’s 1.

Pokhara Avengers’ bowling attack saw Captain Kushal Bhurtel, Michael Leask, and Bipin Khatri each take one wicket. After losing the toss, Pokhara Avengers were invited to bat and posted a total of 138/7 in 20 overs. Marcus Critchley was the top scorer for the Avengers with 35 runs, followed by Michael Leask (25), Andris Gous (20), Raymon Reifer (17), and Dilip Nath (11). Dinesh Kharel (10), captain Kushal Bhurtel (6), Narayan Joshi (5), and Bipin Khatri (1).

For Janakpur Bolts, Lalit Rajbanshi was the standout bowler, taking 3 wickets, while James Neesham claimed 2 wickets. Mohammad Mohsin and Kishore Mahato took one wicket each. In today’s second match, Kathmandu Gurkhas are competing against Sudurpaschim Royals.