The Janakpur Bolts storm into the final of Nepal Premier League 2024 after beating Karnali Yaks in the qualifier 2 by 2 wickets today (December 19, Thursday) in Kirtipur. (Match Highlights)
In what was a low-scoring affair, the Bolts won the toss, with captain Asif Sheikh opting to field first. Thanks to excellent bowling, the Bolts restricted the Yaks to just 119/8 in 20 overs. Lalit Rajbanshi, James Neesham, and Mohammad Mohsin each claimed two wickets.
Dev Khanal and Gulshan Jha were the only batters of Yaks making a little impact, with Khanal scoring 24 off 20 balls and Jha contributing 25 off 20 balls.
The 119-run chase seemed a cakewalk for the Bolts, but it became difficult due to the Yaks' impressive bowling attack. The 16-year-old Bipin Sharma delivered his career-best figures of 3/17, which put the Bolts under pressure and made the chase uncertain.
However, James Neesham's explosive knock of 45 off 17 balls, including 5 sixes and 2 fours, changed the course of the game and propelled the Janakpur Bolts into the NPL 2024 final, where they will face the Sudur Paschim Royals on Saturday, December 21.
