Janakpur Bolts became the first team to reach the playoffs in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2024. They defeated Kathmandu Gurkhas by five wickets on Thursday, earning their fifth win in six matches. With 10 points, Janakpur now leads the table.
Image source: The Sportsy
The match, held at TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, saw Janakpur easily chase down a target of 102 runs in 15.5 overs. Jimmy Neesham led with 27 runs off 17 balls, hitting three sixes and a four. Harsh Thaker stayed unbeaten with 25 runs, while Lahiru Milantha, Anil Sah, and Mohammad Mohsin added important runs.
Janakpur’s bowlers were on fire, bowling out Kathmandu for just 101 runs. Lalit Rajbanshi took 3 wickets for only 8 runs, including 2 maiden overs. Sher Malla also grabbed 3 wickets, while Mohammad Mohsin took 2.
Kathmandu struggled to score, with only Gerhard Erasmus (20), Karan KC (19), and Stephen Eskinazi (17) reaching double figures. Janakpur’s captain Anil Sah set a record by taking 5 catches in the game, the most in Nepal’s franchise cricket history.
This win confirms Janakpur’s spot in the playoffs, while Kathmandu faces tough matches ahead to stay in the tournament. Fans are excited to see if Janakpur can continue their strong form.
Also read: Pokhara Avengers Win NPL’s First Super Over Thriller
