The Nepal Premier League (NPL) kicked off with a thrilling encounter between the Biratnagar Kings vs Janakpur Bolts at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on November 30, 2024. This highly anticipated match set the tone for the inaugural season of the NPL, showcasing the talent and passion of Nepali cricket.
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Match Updates:
- Janakpur Bolts won the toss and decided to bowl first
Watch Live Biratnagar Kings vs Janakpur Bolts
Biratnagar Kings Squad
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Basir Ahamad | Bowler |
| Lokesh Bam | Batter |
| Dipak Bohara | Wicketkeeper |
| Subash Bhandari | Bowler |
| Sandeep Lamichhane | Bowler |
| Naren Bhatt | Batter |
| Pratish GC | Allrounder |
| Mrinal Gurung | Batter |
| Anil Kharel | Bowler |
| Jitendra Mukhiya | Bowler |
| Rajesh Pulami | Batter |
| Aqib Ilyas | Allrounder |
| Nicholas Kirton | Batting Allrounder |
| Chris Sole | |
| Martin Guptill | Batter |
| Sujan Thapaliya | Batter |
| Firdosh Ansari | Bowling allrounder |
| Kamal Khatri | |
| Ismat Alam | Batting Allrounder |
Janakpur Bolts Squad
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Aasif Sheikh | Top-order batterWicketkeeper |
| Hemant Dhami | Bowling allrounder |
| Shubh Kansakar | Batter |
| Kishore Mahato | Bowler |
| Sher Malla | Bowling allrounder |
| Lalit Rajbanshi | Bowler |
| Rupesh Singh | Bowler |
| Anil Sah | Wicketkeeper |
| Tul Bahadur Thapa | Bowler |
| Aakash Tripathi | Batter |
| Arniko Yadav | Batting Allrounder |
| James Neesham | Batting Allrounder |
| Joshua Tromp | Allrounder |
| Sohaib Maqsood | Batter |
| Mohammad Mohsin | |
| Lahiru Milantha | Wicketkeeper |
Match Overview
The match was a 20-over contest, with both teams eager to make a strong start to the season. The Biratnagar Kings, led by the experienced Martin Guptill and the talented Sandeep Lamichhane, were considered favorites to win. On the other hand, the Janakpur Bolts, captained by Aasif Sheikh, aimed to prove their mettle despite being seen as underdogs.
Key Players to Watch
- Biratnagar Kings:
- Martin Guptill: The New Zealand opener was in great form, having performed well in the recently concluded Legends League Cricket.
- Sandeep Lamichhane: The popular leg-spinner from Nepal was expected to be the highest wicket-taker for the Kings.
- Janakpur Bolts:
- Aasif Sheikh: Known for his consistency, Sheikh was expected to provide stability in the top order.
- Lalit Rajbanshi: An intelligent bowler who doesn’t leak runs and picks up wickets at crucial moments.
Match Highlights
The match was a nail-biter, with both teams putting up a strong fight. The Kings started strong, with Guptill leading the charge with a quick 50 off 30 balls3. Lamichhane’s spin bowling was instrumental in restricting the Bolts to a manageable total. In response, the Bolts showed resilience, with Aasif Sheikh anchoring the innings with a composed 70 off 55 balls3.
Final Outcome in test match
The Biratnagar Kings emerged victorious, winning by a narrow margin of 12 runs. This victory not only gave them two points but also set a positive tone for their campaign in the NPL3.
Conclusion
The inaugural match of the Nepal Premier League was a testament to the growing cricketing talent in Nepal. The intense competition and high-quality performances from both teams have set the stage for an exciting season ahead. Fans can look forward to more thrilling encounters as the NPL progresses.
Content from – Notes IOE
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