Janakpur Bolts Defeat Pokhara Avengers by Nine Runs in NPL Match

Janakpur Bolts claimed their second win in the third edition of the Nepal Premier League on Sunday, defeating Pokhara Avengers by nine runs. Playing at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Janakpur set a target of 148 runs after scoring 147 in their 20 overs. Trit Raj Das led the batting effort with a 55-ball 61 that included seven boundaries and two sixes. Moeen Ali added 21 off 16 deliveries, while Abhishek Tiwari remained undefeated on 24 runs to help build the total. Pokhara Avengers' bowling attack worked to limit the target. Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan emerged as the most effective bowler for Pokhara, securing three wickets for 15 runs across his four overs. Captain Harmeet Singh and Saif Hassan each claimed two wickets, while Chamika Karunaratne took two. Maheedi Hasan and Mohammad Saifuddin also picked up one wicket apiece. Despite their efforts, Janakpur reached a defendable score before their final overs concluded. In response, Pokhara struggled to keep pace with the required run rate during their innings. Captain Kushal Bhurtel scored 35 runs to lead his side, supported by Bipin Acharya who added 20 runs. Further down the order, Jimmy Neesham made 11 runs, while Amar Singh Routela and Anil Kumar Sah were each dismissed for nine. Saif Hassan contributed one run before falling, and Pokhara ultimately finished on 138 for nine after 20 overs. Janakpur's defensive effort was steered by disciplined bowling performances. Moeen Ali took three wickets for 13 runs in his four overs, which featured a maiden over. Reports also noted bowling contributions from Harmeet Singh and Saif Hassan with two wickets each, while Lalit Rajbanshi and Jimmy Neesham picked up one wicket each to seal the nine-run victory.