As the Tasmanian Nepalese Premier League (TNPL) reaches its climax, VXL Stars are set to face Grace Dynamos in the highly anticipated final on October 20, 2024, at the Bagdad Community Oval in Hobart, Australia. The stakes are high as both teams vie for the prestigious TNPL title and a cash prize of $3,500 AUD.
In addition to the on-field excitement, the event is set to bring the Tasmanian Nepalese community together for a celebration of both sports and culture. Popular Nepali singer Astha Raut will also be performing at the awards ceremony after the match, adding a musical flair to the closing event.
VXL Stars’ Journey to the Final:
VXL Stars, owned by VXL Education Tasmania and co-sponsored by New Concept Finance, have shown resilience and determination throughout the tournament. After a mixed start, the team, led by captain Amrit Bhattarai, bounced back with a crucial victory over Intact Titans in their last group match to secure their place in the final.
In their must-win match against Intact Titans on October 6, VXL Stars chased down a target of 118 runs, reaching 119/8 in 19.2 overs. Binaya Shrestha played a match-winning knock of 45 runs off 30 balls, with captain Amrit Bhattarai contributing 18 runs from 12 balls and Navaraj Karki adding 19 runs from 31 balls. Shrestha was declared Player of the Match for his all-round performance, as he also took a crucial wicket in the first innings. Despite impressive bowling efforts from Intact Titans’ Ashish Ghimire (4 wickets) and Subrat Bhattarai (3 wickets), VXL Stars held their nerve to win by 2 wickets.
Earlier in the tournament, VXL Stars faced Grace Dynamos twice, with both encounters resulting in defeats. In the opening match, VXL Stars were bowled out for 90 runs while chasing 121, losing by 30 runs. Their second clash was even closer, as Grace Dynamos won by just 5 runs, despite a valiant 31-run effort by captain Bhattarai. However, the upcoming final presents VXL Stars with the perfect opportunity to exact revenge and claim the title.
Key Players to Watch:
For VXL Stars, Binaya Shrestha has been a standout performer, both with the bat and ball. His 45-run knock in the last match, along with earlier contributions, makes him one of the most dangerous players heading into the final. Captain Amrit Bhattarai, a former Nepal international and key figure in VXL Stars’ bowling lineup, will be crucial in leading the team’s efforts on the big stage. Laxman Panthi, who took a remarkable hat-trick earlier in the tournament, will also be a key bowler for the Stars.
Final Match Details:
Date: Sunday, October 20, 2024
Venue: 
Cornelian Bay Oval, New Town TAS
Time: 11:00 AM (Local Time)
The TNPL final promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams eager to lift the trophy. Alongside the title and $3,500 AUD prize money, individual honors such as the Golden Bat and Golden Ball (each worth $400 AUD) and the Man of the Tournament prize of $600 AUD are also up for grabs.
VXL Stars, with a blend of experienced players and rising stars, are determined to cap off their campaign with a victory. Fans will be eagerly awaiting this showdown, hoping for a thrilling conclusion to what has been a closely fought tournament.
