Janakpur Bolts advances to playoffs defeating Kathmandu Gurkhas

KATHMANDU: Janakpur Bolts secured a spot in the playoffs of the Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League (NPL) by defeating Kathmandu Gurkhas by 5 wickets in Thursday’s match.

Janakpur Bolts became the first team to qualify for the playoffs.

Chasing Kathmandu’s target of 102 runs, Janakpur completed the chase in 15.5 overs, losing 5 wickets.

For Janakpur, Harsh Thaker top-scored with an unbeaten 27 runs, hitting 1 four and 3 sixes off 17 balls. Jimmy Neesham contributed 25 runs from 25 balls, including 1 four and 1 six before getting out.

Earlier, Kathmandu Gorkhas, who opted to bat first, were bowled out for 101 runs in 19.3 overs.

Kathmandu’s top scorer was Jhehard Erasmus with 20 runs, hitting 2 fours off 22 balls. Captain Karan KC made 19 runs from 13 balls.

Stephan Eskinazi added 17 runs, while Michael Levitt was dismissed for 8 runs.

Bhim Sarki contributed 4 runs, and Sumit Maharjan was dismissed without scoring. Rashid Khan made 7, Dan Douthwaite scored 1, Prateek Shrestha made 6, and Sahab Alam added 8 runs.

For Janakpur, Lalit Rajbanshi and Sher Malla claimed 3 wickets each, Mohammad Mohsin took 2 wickets, while Kishore Mahato and Araniko Yadav both took 1 wicket each.

Janakpur Bolts Make One Change

Janakpur Bolts have made one change from their squad that played against Sudurpaschim Royals on Wednesday. Mohammad Mohsin replaces Joshua Tromp.

Janakpur Bolts Playing XI

Anil Shah (Captain), Aasif Sheikh, Lahiru Milantha (Wicketkeeper), Harsh Thaker, Jimmy Neesham, Shubham Kesharwani, Mohammad Mohsin, Sher Malla, Arnikoyadav, Kishor Mahato, Lalit Rajbanshi

Kathmandu Gorkhas Playing XI

Karan KC (Captain), Gerhard Erasmus, Bhim Sharki, Sahab Alam, Dipesh Kandel, Rashid Khan, Sumit Maharjan, Pratik Shrestha, Michael Levitt, Stephan Eskinazi, Dan Douthwaite