Kathmandu: Janakpur Bolts claimed the title of the inaugural Nepal Premier League (NPL) T20 Cricket Tournament, defeating Sudurpaschim Royals by five wickets in an intense final match held today at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.

Chasing a target of 185 runs set by Sudurpaschim Royals, Janakpur Bolts reached the target in 19.2 overs, losing five wickets in the process.

The opening duo of Lahiru Milantha and Aasif Sheikh laid a strong foundation with a 73-run partnership. Milantha dazzled with a brilliant knock of 87 runs off 49 balls, hitting nine fours and four sixes, while Sheikh contributed 33 runs off 19 balls with four boundaries and two sixes. Other key contributions came from Harsh Thaker (30 runs off 24 balls, including two sixes), Mohammad Mohsin (9 runs), James Neesham (4), and Aakash Tripathi and Mayank Yadav (2 runs each).

For Sudurpaschim Royals, Saif Zaib, Ishan Pandey, Dipendra Singh Airee, and Scott Kuggeleijn claimed one wicket each.

Earlier, after winning the toss and electing to bat, Sudurpaschim Royals posted a competitive total of 184 runs in their allotted 20 overs, losing nine wickets. Their innings was anchored by openers Saif Zaib and Binod Bhandari, who forged a 117-run partnership. Zaib smashed 69 runs off 43 balls, including eight fours and two sixes, while Bhandari scored 41 runs off 31 balls with one four and three sixes. Other contributions included Brandon McMullen and Harmeet Singh (14 runs each) and Scott Kuggeleijn (13 runs).

For Janakpur Bolts, Kishore Mahato and Mohammad Mohsin starred with the ball, taking three wickets each. James Neesham and Lalit Rajbanshi chipped in with one wicket apiece.

The champions, Janakpur Bolts, were awarded Rs 11 million and a trophy, while runner-up Sudurpaschim Royals received Rs 5.1 million. The third-place team, Karnali Yaks, took home Rs 2.5 million, and Chitwan Rhinos, the fourth-placed team, received Rs 1.5 million.

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) organized the prize distribution ceremony, attended by notable figures such as former Prime Ministers Sher Bahadur Deuba and Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda,' and CAN Chairman Chatur Bahadur Chand. President Ramchandra Paudel extended congratulations to Janakpur Bolts and all participating teams, expressing optimism for even better performances in future editions of the tournament.

The NPL T20 Tournament has set a benchmark for Nepalese cricket, showcasing remarkable talent and promising a bright future for the sport in the country.