NPL Opening Match: Janakpur Bolt beat Biratnagar Kings by 8 wickets (photos)

Kathmandu, November 30 — In the opening match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), Janakpur Bolt defeated Biratnagar Kings by 8 wickets. Biratnagar Kings set a target of 128 runs for victory, which Janakpur chased down in 15.3 overs, losing 2 wickets.

Janakpur's start was not ideal. Asif Sheikh was dismissed for a duck in the first over, falling to Chris Sole. At a score of 15, captain Anil Sah was out for 5 runs, returning to the pavilion.

After that, Lahiru Milantha and Harsh Thakare formed a century partnership, guiding the team to victory. Milantha played a half-century knock, scoring 75 runs off 53 balls, including 9 fours and 3 sixes.

Harsh contributed 29 runs. For Biratnagar, Chris Sole and Pratish GC took 1 wicket each.

Earlier, batting first after losing the toss, Biratnagar Kings managed to score 127 runs in 19 overs, losing all their wickets. Experienced batter Martin Guptill made a half-century, scoring 55 runs off 43 balls, with 7 fours and a six. Aqib Ilyas contributed 15 runs off 18 balls.

Other batters failed to make significant contributions, with Wasir Ahmed, Anil Kharel, and captain Sandeep Lamichhane adding only 7 runs each.

For Janakpur, Lalit Rajbanshi bowled brilliantly, taking 3 wickets for 28 runs in 4 overs. Harsh Thakare also took 2 wickets, conceding 22 runs in 4 overs. Kishore Mahato claimed 2 wickets, while Ben Mike and Mohammad Mohsin took 1 wicket each.

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