Kathmandu, Dec 5: Janakpur Bolts continued their winning streak in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) with a seven-wicket victory over Pokhara Avengers in the eighth match of the tournament.

Chasing a target of 139 runs set by Pokhara, Janakpur reached the target in just 17.1 overs, losing three wickets. Lahiru Milantha led the scoring with 45 runs off 32 balls, hitting eight fours. Opener Asif Sheikh added 33 runs, while Jimmy Neesham sealed the win with an explosive 40 runs off 20 balls, including four fours and a six.

Earlier, Pokhara, batting first after losing the toss, managed 138 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Marcus Critchley was the top scorer with 35 runs off 30 balls, including three fours and a six. Michael Lisk contributed 25 runs off 13 balls with three sixes, while Andris Gauss added 20 runs.

Janakpur’s bowling attack was led by Lalit Rajbanshi, who took three wickets, supported by Jimmy Neesham with two wickets and Mohammad Mohsin and Kishore Mahato with one each.

This win marks Janakpur Bolts’ third consecutive victory, following earlier wins against Biratnagar Kings and Karnali Yaks. On the other hand, Pokhara Avengers suffered their second defeat in a row, having lost to Chitwan Rhinos in their opening match.