[Watch] Janakpur Bolts' winning moment as they clinch the inaugural Nepal Premier League title defeating Sudur Paschim Royals in the final
The Janakpur Bolts clinched the inaugural Nepal Premier League (NPL) T20 title, defeating the Sudur Paschim Royals in the final held at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Saturday, December 21. Chasing 185, the Bolts won the contest with four balls remaining at the loss of five wickets.
Apart from the Sudur Paschim Royals and Janakpur Bolts, the Chitwan Rhinos and Karnali Yaks made it to the playoffs this season. The Rhinos were eliminated after losing the Eliminator fixture against Karnali by 21 runs.
While table-toppers Sudur Paschim Royals, who won six out of their seven league games, directly booked their spot in the final having won Qualifier 1 against Janakpur by eight wickets, the Bolts had to battle it out against the Yaks in Qualifier 2. They won that game by two wickets and made it to the summit clash.
Here's the video of Janakpur Bolts' 2024 Nepal Premier League winning moment:
Lahiru Milantha's 87-run knock in final seals title for Janakpur Bolts
Earlier, Sudur Paschim Royals skipper Dipendra Singh Airee won the toss and opted to bat first. Powered by a strong 117-run opening partnership between Saif Zaib and wicketkeeper batter Binod Bhandari, the Royals got off to a much-needed start in the final.
Saif emerged as their top run scorer in the game, having amassed 69 runs off 43 deliveries which included eight fours and two sixes. Binod stepped up to the occasion, scoring 41 runs at the top of the order.
With the other batters failing to make an impact the with bat, the Royals eventually finished their innings at 184-9 in 20 overs.
Opening the batting for the Bolts in their pursuit of glory, the Sri Lanka-born American wicketkeeper batter Lahiru Milantha produced a Player of the Match performance in the final smashing 87 runs off just 49 balls.
His knock was studded with nine fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 177.55. In addition, valuable contributions from captain Aasif Sheikh (33 runs) and Harsh Thaker (30*) saw the Janakpur Bolts crowned the inaugural champions of the Nepal Premier League.