NPL: Biratnagar Kings secures third consecutive win (photos)

KATHMANDU: Captain Sandeep Lamichhane starred with the ball as Biratnagar Kings secured their third straight win in the Nepal Premier League (NPL), defeating defending champions Janakpur Bolts by 9 runs on Monday.

Chasing a modest target of 136 at the Tribhuvan International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, Janakpur Bolts fell short, finishing at 126 for 9 in their 20 overs.

Lamichhane was exceptional, claiming 4 wickets for just 11 runs in his 4 overs. Support came from Surya Tamang with 2 wickets for 20 runs, while Marchant de Lange and Shubham Ranjane chipped in with one wicket each.

After a disappointing previous season, Biratnagar Kings started this NPL campaign on a strong note, winning all three of their opening games. In contrast, Janakpur Bolts have suffered back-to-back losses.

Janakpur’s top order struggled early: opener Aasif Sheikh managed 13 runs off 11 balls, hitting 2 fours, while captain Anil Sah could only score 4 runs from 14 deliveries.

Lahiru Milantha added 23 runs off 22 balls, and Sanjay Krishnamurthy contributed 20 runs, including a six.

Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton top-scored for Janakpur with 41 runs from 30 balls, striking 4 fours and a six before being run out in the final over.

Earlier, Biratnagar Kings, batting first, posted 135 for 7. Shubham Ranjane led the charge with 37 runs off 29 balls, while Basir scored 36 off 35 balls, including 3 sixes.

Lokesh Bam made 26 runs, George Munsey 10, and Martin Guptill 13.

Janakpur’s bowling was led by Sangeeth Cooray (2 wickets for 26 runs in 4 overs), Rupesh Singh (2 wickets for 12 runs in 2 overs), and Aditya Mahat (1 wicket).

Last year, Janakpur had easily defeated Biratnagar by 8 wickets in the season opener.

However, the absence of star all-rounder Jimmy Neesham, who moved to Pokhara Avengers after Janakpur Bolts missed out on a Test quota, has affected the defending champions’ performance.

Janakpur Bolts:

Biratnagar Kings:

Photos: