KATHMANDU, Dec 1: Janakpur Bolts recovered from the top-order batting collapse to defeat Biratnagar Kings by 8 wickets in the opening match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) marred by crowd trouble over mismanagement in ticket sales.
After losing the toss and being invited to bat first at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Saturday, Biratnagar Kings set a target of 128 runs for Janakpur Bolts, thanks to a half-century from opener Martin Guptill. The New Zealander scored 55 runs off 43 balls, hitting seven boundaries and a six. Omani batsman Aqib Ilyas scored 15 runs off 18 balls with the help of a single four. None of the other players from the Biratnagar Kings’ batting order could score runs in double digits, including captain Sandeep Lamichhane who scored seven runs off four balls.
The Janakpur Bolts’ bowling department put up an impressive display, bundling out the Biratnagar Kings’ batting order in 19 overs. Only British bowler Ben Mike conceded runs at an economy of more than seven runs per over. Lalit Rajbanshi dismissed three batsmen in his four-over spell, at an economy rate of seven runs per over. In his very first delivery, Lajbanshi sent Biratnagar Kings’ opener Lokesh Bam back to the dugout. Canadian all rounder Harsh Thaker dismissed two batsmen in four overs, claiming the crucial wickets of Guptill and Nicholas Kirton. Fast bowler Kishore Mahato also claimed two wickets, while Mike and American spinner Mohammad Mohsin took one wicket each.
In response, Janakpur Bolts achieved the target of 128 runs in 15.3 overs, losing just 2 wickets. The Bolts had a shaky start to their batting innings with both openers losing their wickets within two overs. Aasif Sheikh was bowled for a duck while facing his third delivery by Scottish medium pacer Chris Sole in the first over while Bolts’ captain Anil Sah was bowled out by seamer Pratish GC for five runs in the second over.
However, the Bolts’ batting lineup made a splendid comeback with the duo of American batsman Lahiru Milantha and allrounder Thaker chasing down the total in the next 13.3 overs. Milantha scored a quickfire 75 runs off 53 deliveries, the highest in the match, clearing the boundary on 12 occasions including three sixes. He was awarded the ‘Man of the Match’ prize for the display. Thaker complimented Milantha’s aggressive batting with a poised defensive batting display, scoring 29 runs off 33 balls with the help of two fours.
Biratnagar Kings all out for 127 runs against Janakpur Bolts
Only Kings’ captain Lamichhane bowled the maximum allotted four overs, conceding 30 runs. Jitendra Mukhiya and Ilyas had the most success in terms of runs conceded, with an economy of 6.00 and 6.33 respectively.
CAN refunds ticket fees amid mismanaged entry
The opening match of the NPL drew an overwhelming crowd of cricket fans. Some fans with tickets were unable to enter the stadium to watch the match due to the large number of spectators. In addition, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) displayed a poor management of the entry system to the cricket ground, sending invitations to multiple VIPs including a state minister, without an entry pass.
The situation became tense before the match when supporters attempted to force their way through Gate 2 as some VIPs without entry passes were being escorted into the cricket ground by CAN officials. In response, the police had to resort to baton charge to control the crowd.
CAN announced that they will refund the ticket money to those supporters who could not attend the opening match of the ongoing NPL despite having purchased tickets.
Seven injured in stampede
Seven people were injured in a stampede while going to watch the inaugural match of the NPL on Saturday.
According to Superintendent of Police (SP) Nawaraj Adhikari at the District Police Range, Kathmandu, the injured have been identified as Jayan Shrestha, 25, of Siddharthanagar Municipality, Rupandehi; and police personnel Ajay Tamang, of Khaniyawas, Dhading and Dan Bahadur Raut, of Jumla.
Similarly, Shishir Gautam, 29, of Kaligandaki, Gulmi, Keshav Acharya, 32, of Kapilvastu, Keshav Nengi, 32, of Baitadi, and Prem Khadgi, 32, Musikot, Rukum were also injured.
SP Adhikari told Republica that among the injured, police personnel Tamang is in critical condition. He is currently undergoing treatment at the Neuro Hospital in Bansbari. The other injured are also being treated at various hospitals in Kathmandu.
