Janakpur Bolts have booked their place in the playoffs of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) with one league match still remaining.
In the match held at Tribhuvan University Ground, Kirtipur, on Thursday, Janakpur defeated Kathmandu Gurkhas by five wickets. With this victory, Janakpur climbed to the top of the points table with 10 points from six matches, becoming the first team to qualify for the playoffs.
Sudurpaschim Royals, in second place, have eight points from five matches. Kathmandu Gurkhas, despite the loss, remain in contention for the playoffs with four points from five matches.
Chasing a modest target of 102 runs, Janakpur reached 104/5 in 15.5 overs. James Neesham top-scored with 27 runs, followed by Harsh Thaker with an unbeaten 25. Opener Lahiru Milantha added 16 runs, while Mohammad Mosin (13 not out) and captain Anil Sah (11) contributed valuable runs. For Kathmandu, Karan KC claimed two wickets, while Shahab Alam, Dipesh Kandel, and Gerhard Erasmus took one wicket each.
Earlier, Kathmandu were bowled out for 101 runs in 19.3 overs after electing to bat first. Gerhard Erasmus was the top scorer with 20 runs, followed by captain Karan KC with 19 and Stephen Eskinazi with 17.
Janakpur’s bowlers were instrumental in restricting Kathmandu to a low total. Lalit Rajbanshi and Sher Malla picked up three wickets each, with Lalit being named Player of the Match. Mohammad Mosin claimed two wickets, while Kishore Mahato and Araniko Yadav grabbed one wicket each.
Janakpur will now face Chitwan Rhinos in their final league match on Saturday, while Kathmandu will compete against Pokhara Avengers and Biratnagar Kings in their remaining games.
In another match on Thursday, Pokhara Avengers defeated Biratnagar Kings by 13 runs in a thrilling Super Over.
