Janakpur Bolts Make History as First NPL Champions

Janakpur Bolts has become the first champions of the Nepal Premier League, defeating Sudurpaschim Royals by five wickets in the final at the TU Ground.

Batting first, Royals got off to a flying start. Openers Binod Bhandari and Saif Zaib built a solid 117-run partnership off just 72 balls. Zaib took the lead with a fiery 69 runs from 43 balls, while Bhandari added a swift 41 from 31 balls.

Their explosive start saw the Royals score 28 runs in the first two overs and appear set for a massive total. However, the Bolts turned the game around when both openers fell in quick succession.

Lalit Rajbanshi's tight bowling, giving away just 15 runs and taking a wicket in four overs, was key in halting the Royals' charge. Kishor Mahato and Mohammad Moshin supported Rajbanshi with three crucial wickets each, stifling the Royals' middle order. Despite this, the Royals rallied late to reach a solid total of 184 runs in 20 overs.

Chasing 185, the Bolts started confidently, led by openers Lahiru Milantha and Aasif Sheikh. The duo dominated the powerplay, adding 71 runs in the first six overs and setting the tone for the chase. Their partnership of 73 runs laid a solid foundation, with Milantha continuing his outstanding form. He scored a quick-fire 87 off 49 balls, including a pivotal moment when he was dropped on 66 by Airee, a mistake that proved costly for the Royals.

Harsh Thaker added an important 30 runs and partnered with Milantha for a 61-run stand. Together, they led the Bolts to a memorable win as the Royals' bowlers struggled under pressure. The Bolts reached the target easily, winning the title and making history in Nepalese cricket.