Janakpur Bolts maintained their impressive performance by achieving their third straight win, defeating Pokhara Avengers by seven wickets in the current Nepal Premier League (NPL) at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Thursday.
Pursuing a modest goal of 139 runs established by Pokhara, Janakpur accomplished their target in only 17.1 overs, losing three wickets. Lahiru Milantha spearheaded the attack with a rapid 45 runs from 32 balls, which featured eight fours. Backing him up, Aasif Sheikh made 33 runs off 34 deliveries, while James Neesham and Harsh Thaker stayed not out with scores of 40 and 13 respectively.
In Pokhara, bowlers Bipin Khatri, Michael Leask, and Kushal Bhurtel each took one wicket.
Previously, after choosing to bat first, Pokhara scored 138 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their 20 overs. Matthew Cross achieved the highest score with 35 runs from 30 balls, featuring three fours and a six, prior to being caught off Lalit Rajbanshi’s delivery. Michael Leask scored a quick 25 runs from 12 balls but was outed by Kishore Mahato.
The Pokhara innings encountered continual difficulties, losing wickets frequently. Dinesh Kharel and Andres Ghosh, the opening batsmen, were out for 10 and 16 runs, respectively. Rameon Reifer scored 17 runs before being dismissed by James Neesham.
Lalit Rajbanshi was the standout bowler for Janakpur, claiming three wickets for 31 runs in his four overs. James Neesham took two wickets, while Mohammad Mohsin and Kishore Mahato each claimed one wicket.
This win puts Janakpur at the summit of the standings with six points, keeping their undefeated run in the tournament. In contrast, Pokhara faced ongoing challenges as they fell to their second straight defeat.
This afternoon, Sudurpaschim Royals will compete against Kathmandu Gurkhas in the day’s second match, which is set to start at 1 pm.
