Janakpur Bolts seal first win on Anil–Sadaqat heroics (photos)
Chasing 177 runs, Janakpur reached 180/4 in 17.3 overs, thanks to a match-winning 79-run stand between Anil and Sadaqat after an early wicket.
KATHMANDU: Defending champions Janakpur Bolts registered their first win of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) season with a six-wicket win over Chitwan Rhinos on Tuesday, powered by brilliant half-centuries from Anil Shah and Maaz Sadaqat.
Chasing 177 runs, Janakpur reached 180/4 in 17.3 overs, thanks to a match-winning 79-run stand between Anil and Sadaqat after an early wicket.
Player of the Match Anil Shah smashed 61 off 36 balls (4 fours, 3 sixes), while Sadaqat hammered 63 off 30 (6 fours, 4 sixes).
Opener Asif Sheikh fell for 18, but Anil and Sadaqat counter-attacked impressively to take control. Despite his poor form in earlier matches—scoring only 5 runs in his first three games—Anil delivered under pressure after returning to the XI. Wayne Parnell continued as stand-in captain.
Janakpur also made bold selection decisions, dropping Lalit Rajbanshi and Kishor Mahato, who had struggled this season. They were replaced by Anil (as player) and Sachin Shah.
In the lower order, Loftie-Eaton scored 11, while Aditya Mehta hit a quick 18 off 7 balls. Sanjay Krishnamurthy remained unbeaten on 5.
Chitwan Post 176 on Malan–Saud Century Stand
Earlier, Chitwan posted 176/4 after opting to bat, riding on a superb 112-run opening partnership between David Malan and Arjun Saud—the fourth 100+ stand in NPL history.
Janakpur’s fielding woes helped Chitwan build momentum, with nearly half a dozen dropped catches. Malan was dropped on 35 by Anil, a chance created by debutant Sachin Bhatt.
Malan top-scored with 80 off 54 balls (4 fours, 5 sixes), while Saud hit 52 off 39 (4 fours, 3 sixes).
Loffie-Eaton dismissed Saud in the 14th over for Janakpur’s first breakthrough. Saif Zaib (7) and Ravi Bopara (3) failed to convert starts, while captain Kushal Malla scored a quick 30 off 14 and Amar remained not out on 1.
For Janakpur, Anil, Rupesh Singh, Sadaqat, and Loftie-Eaton took a wicket each.
Playoff Hopes Survive
After losing their first four matches, Janakpur’s first win keeps their slim playoff hopes alive.
Chitwan, who have won two of their five matches, will face Sudurpaschim Royals in their final league game on Thursday.
Last season, Janakpur lifted the title, but Chitwan had beaten them by 34 runs in the group stage.
Janakpur Bolts:
Chitwan Rhinos:
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