Janakpur Bolts clinched a dramatic 1-run victory against Lumbini Lions in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) match at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, strengthening their playoff prospects while leaving Lumbini’s hopes hanging by a thread.

Chasing a target of 137 runs set by Janakpur, Lumbini managed only 135 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. With 2 runs needed off the final ball, Sundeep Jora was caught out, sealing Janakpur’s fourth consecutive win.

Lumbini’s captain Rohit Paudel top-scored with 35 runs off 38 balls, including three boundaries, but lacked sufficient support. Tom Moores added 31 runs, while Arjun Saud chipped in with 20. Harsh Thaker led Janakpur’s bowling attack with a remarkable 5-wicket haul, conceding just 23 runs. Lalit Rajbanshi, Kishore Mahato, and Sher Malla claimed a wicket each.

Earlier, Janakpur, after being put to bat, posted 136 runs for the loss of 9 wickets. Captain Anil Kumar Sah was the standout performer with 45 runs off 39 balls, smashing four sixes and one boundary. Shubh Kansakar remained unbeaten on 22.

Lumbini debutant Abhishesh Gautam impressed with a triple strike in one over, dismissing Lahiru Milantha (24), Harsh Thaker (1), and James Neesham (0). He conceded 20 runs in his full quota of 4 overs. Captain Rohit Paudel and Saad Zafar claimed two wickets each, while Jora contributed one.

With this win, Janakpur now leads the points table with 8 points from 4 matches, boosting their playoff chances. Meanwhile, Lumbini, still winless after four games, are at the bottom of the standings, making their road to the playoffs extremely difficult.

Lumbini must win all their remaining three matches and hope for favourable results from other fixtures to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.