Powered by impressive batting from Anil Sah and Aasif Sheikh, the Janakpur Bolts claimed their second successive victory in the Nepal Premier League (NPL), defeating the Karnali Yaks by eight wickets at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Monday.

Chasing a target of 142 runs, Janakpur reached the target in just 15.1 overs. Their aggressive start saw them scoring 55 runs in the powerplay and 85 runs by the 10th over, laying a solid foundation for their win.

Aasif Sheikh contributed 36 runs off 29 balls before being dismissed by Mausam Dhakal in the 10th over. Anil Sah remained unbeaten, scoring a magnificent 62 off 42 balls, including six fours and three sixes. Sah completed his half-century with a straight six off Zeeshan Maqsood. Lahiru Milantha added 24 runs off 13 balls, while Jimmy Neesham finished with an unbeaten 16 runs off eight deliveries.

Earlier, Karnali Yaks scored 141/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Late heroics from Arjun Gharti and Sompal Kami added 43 runs in the final two overs. Gharti scored 33 off 22 balls before being run out, while Kami smashed an unbeaten 29 off 13 balls.

For Janakpur, Mohammad Mohsin delivered an exceptional spell, taking two wickets for just 14 runs in his four overs. Lalit Rajbanshi, Kishore Mahato, and Harsh Thaker picked up a wicket each.

The Karnali innings was anchored by Gulsan Jha, who top-scored with 36 runs off 27 balls. Indian star batter Shikhar Dhawan, making his NPL debut, was dismissed for 14 runs off 14 balls.

Janakpur’s commanding victory cements their strong start in the NPL campaign, while Karnali Yaks face pressure to regroup after consecutive defeats.

Janakpur had defeated Biratnagar Kings by 8 wickets in the opening match played on Saturday.