Janakpur Bolts set 131-run target against Kathmandu Gurkhas
Batting first after losing the toss, Janakpur relied on a half-century from Aasif Sheikh to reach the score.
KATHMANDU: In the opening match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), Janakpur Bolts posted a modest total of 131 runs against Kathmandu Gurkhas at Kirtipur.
Batting first after losing the toss, Janakpur relied on a half-century from Aasif Sheikh to reach the score.
Janakpur’s top order struggled as four key batsmen failed to reach double figures.
Opener Lahiru Milintha managed just 7 runs off 12 balls, while captain Anil Shah was dismissed without scoring.
Both were claimed by Kathmandu bowler Milinda Kumar, with the first wicket falling at 4.3 overs and the second at 4.5 overs.
Other top-order batsmen, Jan Nicol Lofty-Eaton and Sanjay Krishnamurthy, could only add 2 runs each before being dismissed.
Aasif Sheikh anchored the innings, scoring 54 runs off 41 balls, including 6 fours and 1 six, marking his first half-century of the season.
After his dismissal, lower-order batsmen Mayan Yadaz and Lahiru Samarkun stabilized the innings.
Mayan contributed 34 runs off 29 balls, including 2 sixes and 1 four, while Samarkun added 22 runs from 21 balls with 2 sixes.
Janakpur Bolts now set a target of 131 for Kathmandu Gurkhas to chase in this thrilling NPL opener.
