NPL 2025 :Kings Grounded: Janakpur Restricts Leaders to Modest 135

By Sachit Subba • CLUB CRICKET • Nov 24, 2025 07:45 AM • 22 views

In a disciplined display of bowling at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, the Janakpur Bolts have managed to restrict the red-hot Biratnagar Kings to a modest total of 135/7 in their 20 overs during the 9th match of the Nepal Premier League.

Toss and Early Tremors

Janakpur Bolts captain Anil Sah won the toss and wasted no time in electing to bowl first, a decision that paid immediate dividends. The Bolts, looking to bounce back from their opening loss, exploited the conditions effectively to dismantle the Kings' potent top order. Biratnagar, coming off a massive 220-run outing in their previous game, failed to replicate their explosive start. George Munsey (10) showed intent with a couple of boundaries but was castled early by Sangeeth Cooray. The most significant blow, however, was the cheap dismissal of veteran Martin Guptill, leaving the Kings reeling in the power play.

Ahamad and Ranjane Stabilise

Teetering at a precarious position, the Kings found some stability through Lokesh Bam, who made a gritty 28 off 26 balls, and the middle-order duo of Basir Ahamad and Shubham Ranjane. Ahamad was the top scorer for the side, crafting a responsible 36 (35), while Ranjane contributed a brisk 30 (27). Their partnership was crucial in ensuring the Kings played out their full quota of overs, dragging the score past 100 when a collapse looked imminent.

Bolts' Bowling Card

The Janakpur attack was led by Rupesh Singh and Sangeeth Cooray, who both claimed vital wickets to break the Kings' momentum at regular intervals. Lalit Rajbanshi was his usual frugal self, choking the run flow with a spell of 0/21 in his 4 overs, denying the batters any room to free their arms.

Match Outlook

Chasing 136 for victory, the Janakpur Bolts will fancy their chances of registering their first win of the season. However, on a Kirtipur surface that has offered assistance to the bowlers, the Kings' attack—led by captain Sandeep Lamichhane—cannot be written off.

Summary Scorecard (1st Innings):

Biratnagar Kings: 135/7 (20 ov)

Basir Ahamad: 36 (35) Shubham Ranjane: 37 (29) Lokesh Bam: 28 (26)

Janakpur Bolts Bowling:

Rupesh Singh: 2 Wkts Sangeeth Cooray: 2 Wkts