Janakpur Bolts have secured their place in the final of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) after defeating Karnali Yaks by two wickets in the second qualifier match held at TU Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, on Thursday.
Chasing a modest target of 119 runs, Janakpur reached the target in 19 overs, losing eight wickets along the way.
James Neesham was the star for Janakpur, scoring a quickfire 45 runs off just 17 balls, including two fours and five sixes, setting the foundation for the victory. Neesham was also named Player of the Match. Harsh Thakar contributed 17 runs, Sher Malla remained unbeaten on 16, Mayan Yadav scored 14, and Aakash Tripathi added 13 runs.
For Karnali, Bipin Sharma was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets while conceding just 17 runs in his full quota of four overs. The 16-year-old talent, recruited through a talent hunt program, was exceptional. Sompal Kami, William Bosisto, and Zeeshan Maqsood picked up one wicket each.
Earlier, batting first after losing the toss, Karnali managed to post 118 runs for the loss of nine wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
For Karnali, Gulsan Jha top-scored with 25 runs, while opener Dev Khanal made 24 runs. William Bosisto contributed 14, Zeeshan Maqsood andUYunis Thakuri scored 12 runs each, and Chadwick Walton added 11 runs.
In the bowling department, Janakpur’s Lalit Rajbanshi, Mohammad Mohsin, and James Neesham took two wickets each. Harsh Thakar and Sher Malla chipped in with a wicket apiece.
Janakpur Bolts will now face Sudurpaschim Royals in the final on Saturday. Sudurpaschim had secured their spot in the final by defeating Janakpur by eight wickets in the first qualifier.
Meanwhile, Karnali Yaks had reached the second qualifier by defeating Chitwan Rhinos by 21 runs in the Eliminator match on Wednesday. Karnali finished third in the tournament, while Chitwan Rhinos ended in fourth place after making it to the playoffs.
