Biratnagar Kings beat Janakpur Bolts by 2 runs in the 12th match of the Nepal Premier League 2026 at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, on 3 November 2026. Biratnagar defended 174 for 3, restricting Janakpur to 172 for 7 in 20 overs in a finish that went to the final ball.
Andre Russell was named Player of the Match for a decisive all-round display, scoring 52 not out off 29 balls and taking 4 wickets for 45 runs in 4 overs. His late hitting and his bowling at the death turned a close contest into a Biratnagar win, as detailed in the match preview.
Janakpur won the toss and chose to field first, but Biratnagar built a competitive total and then held their nerve. Biratnagar scored 62 runs in the final five overs, and Janakpur, despite a strong chase led by Saif Hassan, finished two runs short when the last ball was bowled.
Match Story
After being asked to bat first, Biratnagar were given a strong platform by Imran Sheikh and Lokesh Bam. The pair added 107 runs together, with Sheikh making 56 off 45 balls, including 5 fours and 2 sixes, and Bam scoring 50 off 40 balls, with 3 fours and 3 sixes.
Russell then provided the late acceleration, finishing 52 not out off 29 balls with 2 fours and 5 sixes at a strike rate of 179.31. Shubham Ranjane supported him with 7 not out off 5 balls as Biratnagar reached 174 for 3.
Janakpur’s chase was built around Saif Hassan, who scored 71 off 48 balls with 2 fours and 5 sixes. Bishal Shusling made 43 off 30 balls and James Neesham added 18 off 10, but Janakpur lost wickets at key moments. In the bowling, Abhisekh Tiwari took 2 wickets for 38 runs and Moeen Ali took 1 wicket for 13 runs, yet Biratnagar still had enough runs to defend.
The match came down to the last over, with Janakpur needing 13 runs. Russell conceded only 10 runs, dismissed captain Harmeet Singh for a duck off the second ball, and then had Saif Hassan caught by Basir Ahamad off the final ball. Abhisekh Tiwari finished 5 not out off 2 balls, but Janakpur closed on 172 for 7, two runs short.
Key Performances
The headline was Russell, but this was a team win built on a century partnership and a disciplined finish. The main contributions are listed below, followed by a short score summary.
- Andre Russell: 52 not out off 29 balls, with 2 fours and 5 sixes, and 4 wickets for 45 runs.
- Imran Sheikh and Lokesh Bam: 56 off 45 and 50 off 40 in a 107-run partnership.
- Saif Hassan: 71 off 48 balls, leading Janakpur’s chase.
- Janakpur bowling: Abhisekh Tiwari 2 for 38; Moeen Ali 1 for 13.
- Final over: Russell conceded 10 of the 13 runs needed.
| Team | Score | Overs |
|---|---|---|
| Biratnagar Kings | 174/3 | 20 |
| Janakpur Bolts | 172/7 | 20 |
| Result | Biratnagar won by 2 runs | – |
The table above underlines how fine the margin was: two runs separated the teams after 40 overs, and the final over decided the match.
What It Means
For Biratnagar, this result shows the value of a settled partnership followed by a strong finish. Sheikh and Bam gave the innings its shape, Russell gave it its finish, and the bowlers then defended a total within reach for Janakpur.
For Janakpur, the lesson is equally clear: a chase built on Saif Hassan’s 71 and support from Shusling and Neesham came within two runs, but the loss of wickets at key moments and Russell’s final over proved costly. Looking ahead, readers can also check the Lumbini Lions vs Pokhara Avengers preview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Biratnagar Kings vs Janakpur Bolts 12th match? Biratnagar Kings won by 2 runs, defending 174 for 3 against Janakpur’s 172 for 7 at Kirtipur.
Who was Player of the Match? Andre Russell, for 52 not out off 29 balls and 4 wickets for 45 runs.
What were the key batting performances? Imran Sheikh scored 56 off 45, Lokesh Bam scored 50 off 40, and Saif Hassan scored 71 off 48 for Janakpur.
How did the final over unfold? Janakpur needed 13 runs, Russell conceded 10, dismissed Harmeet Singh for a duck, and had Saif Hassan caught off the last ball.
Who won the toss? Janakpur Bolts won the toss and chose to field first.
Conclusion
In the end, a two-run margin tells the story of this match: Biratnagar’s partnership, Russell’s all-round brilliance and a final over full of nerve decided a contest that could have gone either way. Janakpur pushed Biratnagar all the way, but Biratnagar held on for a memorable win at Kirtipur.
Full scorecard: Cricbuzz scorecard.
Green Benn is a dedicated sports writer specializing in cricket, including IPL and international formats. Known for clear, engaging, and informative content, Green simplifies complex match analysis and player statistics for all readers. Passionate about sports storytelling, Green delivers reliable, SEO-friendly articles that keep fans updated and informed
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