Milantha’s heroics secure Janakpur Bolts the NPL title

Janakpur Bolts clinched the Nepal Premier League (NPL) cricket title with a spectacular five-wicket win over Sudurpaschim Royals, thanks to Lahiru Milantha’s stunning batting performance. Milantha’s 87 off 49 balls led Janakpur to chase down a challenging 185-run target with four balls to spare at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Saturday.

Janakpur got off to a flying start, adding 71 runs in the powerplay and 105 runs in the first 10 overs. Milantha, who completed his half-century in just 31 balls, was dropped on 65 when Sudurpaschim captain Dipendra Singh Airee missed a caught-and-bowled opportunity. Milantha’s innings included 9 fours and 4 sixes.

Opener Aasif Sheikh contributed 33 runs off 19 balls, featuring 4 fours and 2 sixes, setting a solid foundation for Janakpur. Lower-order contributions from Harsh Thaker (30 off 24 balls) and Mayank Yadav (2 not out) sealed the victory. Sudurpaschim’s bowlers struggled, with Airee conceding 40 runs for a wicket in his 4 overs, while Saif Zaib, Ishan Pandey, and Scott Kuggeleijn took one wicket each.

Earlier, Sudurpaschim posted 184 runs after electing to bat first. Opener Saif Zaib scored a brisk 69 off 43 balls, and Binod Bhandari added 41 off 31 balls, sharing a 117-run stand for the first wicket. Janakpur’s Kishore Mahato (3/25) and Mohammad Mohsin (3/40) led the bowling attack, restricting Sudurpaschim’s middle order.

Janakpur’s triumph marked a comeback, as Sudurpaschim had defeated them twice earlier in the tournament. With this win, Janakpur Bolts emerged as the champions of the NPL, showcasing resilience and brilliant teamwork in the final.