Janakpur Bolts captain Harmeet Singh produced an outstanding bowling performance to restrict Sudurpaschim Royals to 120 for nine in their Nepal Premier League match on Tuesday.

After winning the toss and electing to bat at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Sudurpaschim managed just 120 runs in their allotted 20 overs.

Playing against his former team for the first time, Harmeet claimed four wickets for just 17 runs in his four overs. He had represented Sudurpaschim in the previous two seasons, guiding them to the final on both occasions with his impressive performances. In the inaugural season two years ago, Janakpur defeated Sudurpaschim in the final to lift the title.

Irish batter Harry Tector, making his first appearance in the tournament, conceded just nine runs and took one wicket in his four overs. Aaditya Mahata, Abhishek Tiwari and Rahul Yadav also claimed a wicket each.

Sudurpaschim suffered an early setback when opener Binod Bhandari was run out for 10 by a direct hit from Lalit Rajbanshi. Rahul Yadav then bowled the other opener, Saif Zaib, for 10 to give Janakpur their second breakthrough.

Harmeet bowled Ishan Pandey for three before captain Dipendra Singh Airee was caught and bowled by Aaditya Mahata for just one.

Brandon McMullen top-scored for Sudurpaschim with 33 off 23 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes.

Aarif Sheikh made 11 off 16 balls, including two fours, while Scott Kuggeleijn departed for six. After dismissing Kuggeleijn, Harmeet struck twice in consecutive deliveries, removing Anil Kharel for three and Hemant Dhami for a duck.

Tharindu Ratnayake remained unbeaten on 27 off 28 balls, hitting one four and two sixes. Abinash Bohara was not out on two off two deliveries.

Both teams are under pressure to win as they battle for a place in the top four and a spot in the playoffs. With two matches remaining for each side, Sudurpaschim have six points while Janakpur have four. A defeat could leave either team at risk of missing the playoffs.

A victory would take Sudurpaschim to at least second place in the standings, while Janakpur would move up to third if they win.