Biratnagar Kings sealed a dramatic nine-run victory over Janakpur Bolts in the Nepal Premier League at TU International Cricket Stadium in Kirtipur on Monday, successfully defending a modest 136-run target in a match that went down to the final over.

Chasing 136, Janakpur stumbled early and were kept under constant pressure, eventually finishing at 126–9. Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton top-scored with 41, while Lahiru Milantha made 23, Sanjay Krishnamurti added 20 and Aasif Sheikh chipped in with 13. No other batter reached double figures as the Biratnagar attack tightened its grip in the middle and death overs.

Sandeep Lamichhane delivered the decisive spell, taking four wickets, including two off successive balls in the 18th over that swung the contest firmly in Biratnagar’s favour.

Surya Tamang picked up two wickets, while Shubham Ranjane and Marchant de Lange claimed one each.

Put into bat first, Biratnagar posted 135–7. The innings rebuilt through a steady middle-order effort after the early dismissals of George Munsey (10) and Martin Guptill (13). Lokesh Bam contributed 38, Ranjane hit 37, and Basir Ahamad scored 36 to guide the side past the 130 mark, though Janakpur’s disciplined bowling restricted Biratnagar to just 40 runs in the final five overs.

For Janakpur, Sangeeth Cooray and Rupesh Singh took two wickets apiece, while Aaditya Mahata claimed one.

In today’s second fixture, Sudurpashchim Royals take on Karnali Yaks.