The Nepal Premier League witnessed another close contest as the Biratnagar Kings held their nerves to beat the Janakpur Bolts by 9 runs in a tense low-scoring match at the TU International Cricket Stadium, Kirtipur.Defending a modest total of 135, the Kings displayed remarkable discipline with the ball, led by a match-winning spell from captain Sandeep Lamichhane.
Janakpur Bolts won the toss and Opted to bowl first, Biratnagar kings get shaky start, The Janakpur Bolts bowlers came in with a clear plan maintain tight lines, force mistakes, and stop the flow of runs. Their strategy worked early as two George Munsey (10) and Martin Guptill (13), were removed . With both inform batters gone, the Kings were under pressure.
By the ninth over, they had struggled their way to 55/3, unable to find momentum against disciplined bowling, Lokesh Bam contributed a steady 28 off 26 balls, helping to stabilize the innings briefly. However, the turning point came when Basir Ahamad and Shubham Ranjane put together 52 runs crucial partnership, pushed Biratnagar kings past the 100-run mark rotating the strike smartly and punishing the losse deliveries,help of this two kings put fighting total.
Basir played a controlled yet impactful knock of 36 runs off 35 balls, striking three powerful sixes and Shubham Ranjane added a valuable 37 runs off 29, including two fours and two sixes.The Kings managed 135/7 in 20 overs.
For Janakpur Bolts Rupesh Singh were stand out bowler took 2/12 in 2 overs also 2 wickets for Sangeeth Cooray in 4 overs while Aditya Mahata chipped with 1 wicket.
Chasing a modest target 136 , Janakpur Bolts innings began with weakly when Aasif Sheikh dismissed by Surya Tamang on 13 and Skipper Anil Sah struggled to find rhythm managed only 4 runs off 14 deliveries, while Lahiru Milantha provide some resistance after 2 quick wickets he played steady knock of 23 runs off 22 balls, and Sanjay Krishnamurthi played fluent Knock of 20 The highlight of the chase was the composed knock from Jan Nicol Loftie -Eaton, who scored a confident 41. His shot selection was smart, and he handled both spin and pace with ease, and put 34 important partnership with Rupesh Singh keep Janakpur Bolts in game.
Janakpur Bolts needed 25 runs from the last three overs, but match turned dramatically In the 18th over
Sandeep Lamichhane gets two wickets in back-to-back deliveries, breaking the backbone of the and suddenly match hang on balance but still Jan Nicol Loftie on the crease in 19.2 over Lalit Rajbanshi removed Loftie and brings Biratnagar kings brink on victory.
Janakpur Bolts managed 126/9 in 20 overs and fall short 9 runs , this is back to back defeat for depending champions.
While the highlight of this match is skipper Sandeep Lamichhane match winning spell 4/11 in 4 overs while Surya Tamang chipped with 2 wickets and Shubham Ranjane and Merchant de Lange gets 1 wicket each.
NPL Biratnagar kings vs Janakpur Bolts Match summary
Toss: Janakpur Bolts won the toss and Opted to bowl first.
Biratnagar kings innings: 135/7 in 20 overs
Top scorer: Shubham Ranjane 37 runs off 29 deliveries,Basir Ahamad 36 runs off 35 deliveries
Top bowler: Rupesh Singh 2/12 in 2 overs and Sangeeth Cooray 2/26 in 4 overs
Janakpur Bolts innings: 126/9 in 20 overs
Top scorer: Jan Nicol Loftie 41 runs off 31 deliveries, Lahiru Milantha 23 runs off 22 balls
Top bowler: Sandeep Lamichhane 4/11 in 4 overs and Surya Tamang 2/20 in 4 overs
Result: Biratnagar kings won by 9 runs
Player of the match: Sandeep Lamichhane 4/11 in 4 overs
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