In the Nepal Premier League (NPL) cricket final, Sudurpaschim Royals have established a challenging target of 185 runs for Janakpur Bolts, aided by a century partnership from Saif Zaib and Binod Bhandari.
After winning the toss, Sudurpaschim batted first at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, making 184 runs and losing 9 wickets. Captain Dipendra Singh Airee’s choice to bat first proved successful as Zaib and Bhandari excelled in the initial 12 overs, accumulating 117 runs for the first wicket.
Zaib, who made a rapid half-century off 33 deliveries, aided Sudurpaschim in starting strong, tallying 97 runs in the first 10 overs without losing any wickets. He was dismissed on 62 during the 13th over, but Kishore Mahato got him out soon after for 69 runs from 43 balls, striking 8 fours and 2 sixes. Mahato also captured two vital wickets in the last over, ending with stats of 3 for 25 in 3 overs.
Bhandari, the other opener, made a solid contribution of 41 runs from 31 deliveries, hitting 1 four and 3 sixes, before being dismissed by Lalit Rajbanshi, who bowled impressively, allowing only 15 runs in his 4 overs with 1 maiden.
Additional contributions were made by Harmeet Singh (14 runs from 8 balls), Scott Kuggeleijn (13 runs from 10 balls), and Jimmy Neesham (14 runs from 12 balls). Dipendra Airee (9) and Aarif Sheikh (1) were dismissed quickly from the middle order. Mohammad Mohsin picked up 3 wickets while allowing 40 runs in his 4 overs.
Janakpur’s bowlers faced challenges against Sudurpaschim’s top-order hitters, yet Lalit Rajbanshi’s consistent effort was notable. Jimmy Neesham and Kishore Mahato both took a wicket, with Neesham giving away 44 runs in 4 overs.
Both teams maintained the same line-ups as their last games. Sudurpaschim reached the final by winning against Janakpur in Qualifier 1, whereas Janakpur triumphed over Karnali Yaks in Qualifier 2.
Sudurpaschim has been a strong force in the tournament, securing 7 out of 8 matches, with two wins over Janakpur. In the group phase, they triumphed over Janakpur by 72 runs, bowling them out for a historic low of 51 runs.
Janakpur, captained by New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham, advanced to the final after a captivating victory over Karnali in Qualifier 2. Neesham secured 2 wickets and made a rapid 45 runs from 17 balls to successfully chase Karnali’s target of 118 runs with one over remaining.
Given Sudurpaschim’s recent performance and Janakpur’s determination, the NPL final guarantees an exhilarating match.
