The Janakpur Bolts clinched the title of the inaugural Nepal Premier League (NPL) with a thrilling five-wicket victory over Sudurpaschim Royals on December 22 at the Tribhuvan University cricket ground in Kirtipur. This marks not only the team's first championship but also establishes Janakpur as the initial champions of the league. The finale was packed with excitement, showcasing the depth of talent and competitive spirit nurtured throughout the tournament.
Janakpur's path to glory was not straightforward. The team kicked off their campaign with four consecutive wins but faced hurdles along the way, suffering two defeats against Sudurpaschim during the group stages. Nonetheless, the Bolts demonstrated not just skill but also resilience, reversing their fortunes by overcoming Sudurpaschim when it mattered most—in the final. With the title win, Janakpur avenged their previous losses, illustrating the fierce competitiveness of the league.
Central to Janakpur's success were key players who excelled on and off the field, each contributing uniquely to the championship win. Lahiru Milantha, the American wicketkeeper-batter who shone brightly during the match, scored 87 runs off just 49 balls. His innings included nine boundaries and four sixes, establishing him as the standout performer of the final. Milantha's tactical prowess helped secure Janakpur's successful chase of the 185-run target set by Sudurpaschim.
Milantha, sharing his thoughts post-match, expressed immense joy: "Absolutely amazing! I am so happy... I cannot describe it. These guys are amazing. Credit goes to them. Both teams played very good cricket. But we came out on top." His remarkable performance not only earned him the Player of the Match title but also solidified his reputation as a match-winner.
Sudurpaschim had earlier opted to bat first, building what appeared to be a formidable score of 184 runs for the loss of nine wickets. The strong start came from openers Saif Zaib and Binod Bhandari, who put together a solid 117-run partnership. Zaib scored 69 runs off 43 balls, with Bhandari adding 41 runs. The contribution of Janakpur's Kishore Mahato, who took 3 wickets for just 25 runs, was pivotal to dismantling Sudurpaschim’s middle order, allowing Janakpur to seize momentum as the match progressed.
Janakpur’s success can be attributed not only to these standout players but also to effective team strategies crafted by head coach Pubudu Dassanayake. His comprehensive experience as the former head coach of Nepal’s national team proved instrumental, as he carefully planned the squad's approach and made necessary adjustments throughout the tournament.
Another key player, Lalit Rajbanshi, emerged as the joint-highest wicket-taker of the tournament, claiming 17 wickets, alongside Sudurpaschim’s Scott Kuggeleijn. His contributions were sidelights but pivotal, as he earned the title of Best Bowler and drove the team’s bowling unit. Rajbanshi was recognized not only for his tactical bowling but also for his ability to perform under pressure, solidifying Janakpur’s bowling line-up.
Janakpur Bolts’ success story also featured all-rounder Jimmy Neesham, who was instrumental throughout the tournament, contributing with both bat and ball. Neesham’s performance—247 runs with a remarkable strike rate and seven wickets—underlined his versatility and experience. He achieved the record for the fastest half-century of the tournament, scoring 50 runs off just 18 balls, earning him the Energetic Player of the Tournament award.
Leadership within the team played a significant role as well, with Anil Sah and Aasif Sheikh at the helm. Their guidance and support helped navigate the challenges and pressures of the finals. Aasif, who stepped up as captain during the playoffs, echoed the sentiments of the team after the victory, praising the collective effort and talent seen throughout their campaign.
This monumental win has not only been celebrated by the players and coaches but also recognized by the wider community, including political figures. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli awarded commendations to the team, emphasizing their role in eleving the standard of Nepali cricket. Speaking during the ceremony, he said, "This is the victory of all Nepalis. Your exceptional capacity has been seen through the championship... I extend best wishes for even big successes in the coming days."
Alongside the accolades and services to Nepali cricket, the competition itself has been highlighted as instrumental for player development and the expansion of cricket within the nation. Not everyone was left disappointed; Sudurpaschim Royals also earned accolades, with their captain Dipendra Singh Airee receiving the title of Electric Player of the Tournament.
With prizes totaling millions and recognition of individual performances, the NPL has already made its mark, paving the path for potential future leagues. Janakpur Bolts' collective achievements both speak to the rich talent pool within Nepal and showcase the potential for cricket to become even more significant within the country's sporting narrative. The NPL highlights not just victories but the narrative of overcoming adversity and pursuing excellence, promising to inspire future generations.
Janakpur's inaugural triumph serves as a beacon for cricket enthusiasts, providing hope for the sport's growth and encouraging young players to pursue their dreams on and off the pitch. The championship win embodies the dreams of many aspiring cricketers and sets the stage for the next chapter of cricketing excellence within Nepal.
