VXL Stars, captained by former Nepal national cricketer Amrit Bhattarai, clinched a crucial victory against Intact Titans, winning by 2 wickets in their must-win match in the Tasmanian Nepalese Premier League (TNPL) held in Australia at the Bagdad Community Oval, Hobart, on October 6, 2024. This victory has earned VXL Stars a spot in the highly anticipated final.
Chasing a target of 118 runs, VXL Stars successfully reached the target in 19.2 overs, losing 8 wickets. Binaya Shrestha shone with the bat, scoring a quick 45 runs from 30 balls, while skipper Amrit Bhattarai added a vital 18 from 12 balls, and Navaraj Karki contributed 19 from 31 balls. Despite Ashish Ghimire’s impressive 4-wicket haul and Subrat Bhattarai’s 3 wickets for Intact Titans, VXL Stars held their nerve to secure the win.
Earlier, Intact Titans posted a total of 117/7 in their 20 overs. Md Tausif Raja Khan top-scored with 47 off 35 balls, while Ricky Shakya added 20 runs. In the bowling department for VXL Stars, Laxman Panthi, Amrit Bhattarai, Binaya Shrestha, and Subash Bishwakarma took a wicket each.
Binaya Shrestha was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance with both bat and ball.
VXL Stars’ journey to the final wasn’t without its challenges. They suffered a 30-run defeat in their first match but bounced back with a 35-run victory over Intact Titans. A narrow 5-run loss in their third match made their latest win even more crucial.
VXL Stars will now face Grace Dynamos once again in the final match of the TNPL on October 20, 2024. The match promises to be an exciting contest between two competitive teams.
The Tasmanian Nepalese Premier League, organized in Australia, features three teams: VXL Stars, Grace Dynamos, and Intact Titans. VXL Stars are owned by VXL Education Tasmania and co-sponsored by New Concept Finance.
The tournament offers significant cash prizes, with the winning team set to receive $3,500 AUD. Individual awards include the Golden Bat and Golden Ball, each worth $400 AUD, the Man of the Tournament prize of $600 AUD, and Player of the Match prizes of $200 AUD per game.
With this victory, VXL Stars are now one step away from the TNPL title and will be eager to take home the coveted trophy in the final match.
