Kathmandu, December 22
Janakpur Bolts clinched the title of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) in a spectacular finale, defeating Sudurpaschim Royals by five wickets on Saturday. With this victory, Janakpur became the inaugural champions of the NPL, capping off their season with a memorable performance.
Janakpur’s road to glory was anything but easy. After a strong start with four consecutive wins, they faced setbacks, including two defeats against Sudurpaschim. However, the team staged an impressive comeback, defeating Sudurpaschim in the final and avenging their earlier losses.
While the championship win was a collective effort involving players, coaches, and management, five individuals stood out for their exceptional contributions on and off the field. Here’s a closer look at the heroes who shaped Janakpur’s championship journey:
1. Pubudu Dassanayake: The master strategist
A team’s success is built as much on strategic planning off the field as it is on performance on the field. Head coach Pubudu Dassanayake played a pivotal role in Janakpur’s triumph by devising strategies, selecting the playing XI, and assigning responsibilities.
With extensive experience as the former head coach of Nepal’s national cricket team and stints with franchise teams, Dassanayake’s deep understanding of both Nepali and international players proved invaluable. His ability to craft winning strategies and adapt to evolving match situations was instrumental in Janakpur’s success.
2. Lalit Rajbanshi: The wicket-taking spinner
As a spinner, Lalit Rajbanshi excelled in restricting runs and taking crucial wickets. His performance was vital in Janakpur’s championship journey.
Rajbanshi emerged as the joint-highest wicket-taker in the tournament, claiming 17 wickets alongside Sudurpaschim’s Scott Kuggeleijn. Whether during powerplays or in pressure situations, Rajbanshi consistently delivered for his team.
Recognised for his exceptional performance, he was named the tournament’s Best Bowler and was awarded a motorcycle. Janakpur’s head coach, Dassanayake, lauded him as the team’s best player, highlighting his significant contributions.
3. Jimmy Neesham: The all-rounder extraordinaire
Jimmy Neesham, a name synonymous with international cricket excellence, brought his immense experience to Janakpur. The New Zealand all-rounder, known for his exploits in global tournaments like the World Cup and IPL, was a key player for Janakpur.
Whenever Janakpur’s batting lineup faltered, Neesham stepped up, stabilising the innings and guiding the team to victory. His all-round performance, including 247 runs with a strike rate of 175.17 and seven wickets in nine matches, was pivotal.
Neesham also set the record for the fastest half-century in the tournament, smashing 50 runs off just 18 balls against Chitwan Rhinos. His efforts earned him the Energetic Player of the Tournament award and a cash prize of Rs 200,000.
4. Lahiru Milantha: The run machine
Sri Lankan batter Lahiru Milantha was the tournament’s leading run-scorer and the hero of Janakpur’s final victory. His unbeaten 87 runs in the final against Sudurpaschim were crucial in securing the title.
Throughout the tournament, Milantha showcased his consistency, scoring 293 runs with two half-centuries. His ability to deliver match-winning performances in high-pressure games, including an unbeaten 75 in the opening match against Biratnagar, solidified his reputation as a dependable player.
Milantha’s prior experience in Nepal’s T20 leagues, where he led Lumbini All-Stars to victory in 2022, further underscored his value to the team.
5. Anil Sah and Aasif Sheikh: The leaders
Leadership played a crucial role in Janakpur’s success, with Anil Sah and Aasif Sheikh emerging as the team’s guiding forces.
Initially, Aasif, a marquee player, and Anil, acquired through the auction, were paired as Janakpur’s opening duo. Despite their modest individual performances with the bat—Aasif scored 162 runs, and Anil contributed 132 runs in the tournament—their leadership skills shone through.
Anil captained the team during the league stage, but an injury sidelined him for the playoffs. Aasif stepped up as captain during the playoffs and led the team to victory in the final. Their collaborative leadership was evident as they lifted the trophy together, symbolizing their joint effort in guiding Janakpur to glory.
Janakpur’s collective success
Janakpur Bolts’ victory was a result of teamwork and resilience. Each player contributed to the team’s success, from consistent performers like Kishore Mahato and Shubham Kausal to emerging talents discovered through talent hunts.
The management’s strategic planning, combined with the players’ determination, ensured that Janakpur overcame challenges and emerged victorious in the inaugural NPL season.
A glorious start for NPL
The Nepal Premier League, in its first edition, has already established itself as a platform for showcasing talent and fostering competition. Janakpur Bolts’ journey from early dominance to overcoming setbacks and clinching the title reflects the spirit of the league.
The championship win is not just a testament to Janakpur’s prowess but also a milestone in Nepal’s cricketing history, promising an exciting future for the sport in the country.
