Kirtipur: Defending champions Janakpur Bolts were defeated by Kathmandu Gorkhas in the inaugural match of the Nepal Premier League 2025, a franchise-based Twenty20 cricket tournament, that began in Kirtipur earlier today.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the Kathmandu Gorkhas surpassed the victory target of 131 set by Janakpur with two overs to spare. Openers Aakash Tripathi and Ben Charlesworth laid the groundwork for the win, with a partnership of 70 runs for the first wicket. Tripathi scored 39 runs in 45 balls, while Charlesworth contributed 46 runs in just 23 balls. Milind Kumar and John Simpson added 19 and 13 runs, respectively, before Mohammad Aadil Alam sealed the victory by hitting a six off the penultimate ball of the 18th over.
On the bowling front, Kishore Mahato, Anil Shah, Lalit Ranjbansi, Jan Nicol, and Sanjay Krishnamurthi each took one wicket as they attempted to defend a par score.
Earlier in the match, Janakpur, after losing the toss, were put into bat and managed to set a par score, largely due to a half-century by Aasif Sheikh, who scored 54 off 41 balls. Mayan Yadav, remaining not out on 24, and Lahiru Samarakoon, with 22, were the only other batsmen to reach double figures.
For Kathmandu, Milind Kumar was the standout bowler, taking 3 wickets for just 15 runs in his full quota of 4 overs. Karan KC, Shahab Alam, and Santosh Yadav each claimed one wicket.
The match was hosted at the TU International Cricket Ground, marking the first time a cricket match in the country was played under floodlights.
The NPL 2025 features eight teams competing in 32 matches, culminating in the final scheduled for December 13. The competition includes teams such as Biratnagar Kings, Chitwan Rhinos, Karnali Yaks, Lumbini Lions, Pokhara Avengers, and Sudur Paschim Royals.