By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Dec 02, 2025 10:17 AM • 25 views
KIRTIPUR — The drought is finally over for the Janakpur Bolts. After four agonising defeats to start their Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2025-26 campaign, the Bolts announced their arrival on Tuesday with a commanding six-wicket victory over the high-flying Chitwan Rhinos. Chasing a competitive target of 177 at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Janakpur made a mockery of the ask, racing home with 15 balls to spare thanks to explosive half-centuries from Maaz Sadaqat and Anil Sah.
Rhinos Charge Early, Malan Anchors
Winning the toss and electing to bat, the Chitwan Rhinos looked set to dominate proceedings. English veteran Dawid Malan was the architect of their innings, crafting a sublime 80 off 54 balls. He found an able partner in Arjun Saud (52 off 39), and the pair forged a 112-run opening stand that threatened to bat Janakpur out of the game before the chase even began.
However, the Bolts' bowlers showed character in the death overs. Once the opening stand was broken in the 14th over, Janakpur managed to pull back the scoring rate. Despite a late flurry from skipper Kushal Malla (30* off 14), the Rhinos were restricted to 176/4—a total that looked par but defendable given Janakpur's recent batting woes.
The Sadaqat-Sah Show
The Bolts' chase began with a familiar nervous energy when opener Aasif Sheikh fell for 18. But what followed was a counter-attack of the highest quality. Maaz Sadaqat, promoting himself as the aggressor, tore into the Rhinos' attack. His blistering 63 came off just 30 deliveries, studded with six fours and four sixes, completely shifting the pressure back onto the fielding side.
Matching him shot for shot was Anil Sah, whose fluid 61 off 36 balls ensured the momentum never dipped. The duo's partnership was clinical, dissecting the field and finding the boundary with ease. By the time Sah fell to Sohail Tanvir in the 16th over, the required run rate had plummeted. Youngsters Aaditya Mahata (18*) and Sanjay Krishnamurthy (5*) applied the finishing touches, guiding Janakpur to 180/4 in just 17.3 overs.
Analytical Take: A Blueprint for Survival
This result could be a turning point in the NPL standings. For Chitwan, the loss exposes a vulnerability in their bowling unit when Plan A fails. Despite posting 176, they looked toothless against sustained aggression, and their inability to break the Sadaqat-Sah stand early proved fatal. For Janakpur, this win is a lifeline. The promotion of Sadaqat and his "see ball, hit ball" approach provided the spark the team had been missing. They didn't just chase the target; they dismantled it. The victory lifts them from the morale-sapping floor of the table and proves they have the firepower to compete with the league's best.
The Road Ahead
"We needed this belief," will be the sentiment in the Bolts' camp tonight. They remain in the hunt for a playoff spot, but the margin for error is slim. The Rhinos, meanwhile, must regroup quickly. In a tournament as tight as the NPL, momentum is everything, and on Tuesday in Kirtipur, the Bolts finally grabbed their share.
