Kirtipur:Janakpur Bolts have defeated Pokhara Avengers by 9 runs in a closely contested match under the Nepal Premier League (NPL). The encounter took place at the TU International Cricket Stadium, where Pokhara won the toss and opted to field first.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Janakpur posted a total of 147 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Key contributions came from Trit Raj Das, who scored 61 runs off 55 balls, and Abhishek Tiwari, who added a quick 24 runs off 10 balls. Moeen Ali also contributed with 21 runs in 16 balls before being dismissed by Shakib Al Hasan.
In response, Pokhara Avengers managed to score 138 runs for 9 wickets, falling short of the target. Their innings was marred by early setbacks, losing both openers cheaply. Captain Kushal Bhurtel was the top scorer with 35 runs off 24 balls. Moeen Ali was instrumental for Janakpur with the ball, taking 3 wickets, while captain Harmeet Singh and Saif Hassan chipped in with 2 wickets each.
Following this victory, Janakpur has moved up to the second position in the NPL points table with 4 points. Meanwhile, Pokhara remains at the 7th position after enduring two consecutive losses in the tournament. The Nepal Premier League, organized by the Cricket Association of Nepal, is in its third edition and continues to be a prominent franchise-based Twenty20 cricket event in the country.