The Janakpur Bolts secured their place in the tournament final with an exciting 2-wicket victory over the Karnali Yaks at the Nepal Premier League Qualifier 2, which took place on December 19, 2024, at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
Karnali Yak’s Batting
The Karnali Yaks, who lost the coinflip session of the match and were batting first, had trouble getting going. Their top order struggled as well, as Lalit Rajbanshi dismissed opener Jaykishan Kolsawala for just a single in the very first over.
With a strong 24 from 20 balls, including three boundaries and a six, Dev Khanal attempted to stabilize themselves in the innings, but the Yaks were put in trouble again after Khanal departed in the fifth over.
There was hardly much opposition from the middle order. William Bosisto (14 off 15) and Zeeshan Maqsood (12 off 11) were unable to generate any momentum.
While Chadwick Walton contributed 11 runs, Gulshan Jha was the most impressive player, with a blistering 25 off 20 balls that included two sixes and a boundary.
The Yaks could only produce 118 for 9 in their 20 overs, despite Jha’s best efforts.
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Janakpur Bolts’ Bowling
Lalit Rajbanshi led the charge as the Bolts’ bowling unit put on an outstanding display. He claimed two wickets for twenty-two runs, including Bosisto and Kolsawala’s vital removals.
Mohammed Mohsin was equally effective, with two wickets and just 14 runs given up in his four overs. Harsh Thaker and James Neesham contributed significant innovations that kept the Yaks’ hitters in check.
The team was captained by Aasif Sheikh for the very first time in the tournament after Sah got injured and was set to miss the remaining part of the tournament.
Janakpur Bolt’s Batting
Janakpur Bolts had a rough start as they chased a modest target of 119 in the absence of their regular skipper, Anil Sah.
Lahiru Milantha only managed two runs, while openers Shubh Kansakar and Aasif Sheikh were dismissed for just cheap three and four runs, respectively. The Bolts were in danger at 16 for 3.
Harsh Thaker (17) and Aakash Tripathi (13) offered some short-term consistency but were unable to turn their beginnings into game-winning efforts.
James Neesham’s approach to the run chase is a destructive manner. With a blistering 45 off just 17 balls, slamming five boundaries, and two sixes, the New Zealand all-rounder completely changed the course of the match.
Janakpur Bolts were once again in control after his bold knock got the necessary run rate under control.
Despite losing Neesham in the 16th over and a few more wickets, the lower order held their nerve. Mayan Yadav’s 14-run cameo and Sher Malla’s unbeaten 16 off 10 balls sealed the game for the Bolts, who finished at 119 for 8 with an over to spare.
Yaks Karnali’s Bowling
The bowlers for the Yaks, especially Bipin Sharma, worked hard. Sompal Kami contributed with 1 for 23, but Sharma’s 3 for 17 in 4 overs was an impressive showing. But the modest total proved too small to defend, as they were unable to stop Neesham’s attack.
Key Moments and Performances
- All-Round Performance of James Neesham
Neesham was the game’s most notable player. In addition to taking two wickets, he demonstrated his ability to execute under pressure by playing a game-winning innings with his 45 runs in 17 deliveries. - Lalit Rajbanshi’s bowling
Rajbanshi’s early runs gave the Bolts the upper hand and made sure the Yaks were always behind. - Gulshan Jha’s Knock:
Although the Yaks lost, Jha’s rapid 25 gave their total some respectability. - Bipin Sharma’s effort:
The Yaks were given hope by Sharma’s disciplined bowling, but it was insufficient to undo the harm done by Neesham.
Conclusion
Neesham’s skill helped the Janakpur Bolts secure their spot in the Nepal Premier League final by demonstrating poise and resiliency under duress. Despite a valiant effort, the Karnali Yaks’ tournament trip came to an end as they were unable to overcome their batting problems.
Janakpur Bolts qualified for the finals of the inaugural edition of the Nepal Premier League and are set to meet Sudurpaschim Royals led by Airee in the finals.
Janakpur Bolts and Sudurpaschim Royals will meet at TU Ground in the final game of the inaugural edition of the league.
Who do you think will win this tournament, the Janakpur Bolts or the Royals? Comment below…