Andre Russell delivered a match winning performance as Biratnagar Kings narrowly defeated Janakpur Bolts by two runs in a thrilling Nepal Premier League 2026 match at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground on Tuesday.
Russell scored an impressive unbeaten 52 and took four wickets, including the crucial final wicket, enabling Biratnagar Kings to set a challenging target.
In their chase of 174 runs, Janakpur Bolts managed only 172 for 7 in 20 overs, despite a strong 71 run innings from Bangladesh’s Saif Hassan.
Andre Russell’s Four Wicket Haul
Russell shone as the standout player, claiming four wickets during the match.
He delivered the game changing ball in the fourth over, catching Saif Hassan out and delivering a significant blow to Janakpur Bolts.
Despite Hassan’s remarkable 71 runs off 48 balls, featuring two boundaries and five sixes, he was dismissed on the final ball of the innings.
Vishal Sushling contributed 43 from 30 balls, while Jimmy Neesham added 29 from 15 deliveries.
Janakpur Bolts lost three quick wickets for just 30 runs, but Hassan and Sushling formed a solid 76 run partnership.
Neesham joined Hassan after Sushling’s dismissal, and together they built a rapid 56 run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Neesham was out at the end of the 19th over, with Rupesh Singh taking the crucial wicket, paving the way for Russell to finish the match in the last over.
Angelo Mathews took two wickets, while Rupesh Singh claimed one for Janakpur.
Three Half Centuries from Biratnagar Kings
Biratnagar Kings batted first, scoring a competitive total of 174 for 3 in 20 overs.
Imran Sheikh, Lokesh Bam, and Russell each scored half centuries.
Sheikh was the top scorer with 56 runs off 45 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes. Lokesh Bam also contributed significantly with 50 runs off 40 balls, including three fours and three sixes.
They formed a crucial 107 run partnership for the second wicket after the early loss of Shehan Jayasuriya for just one run, marking the first century partnership of the NPL season.
Russell accelerated the scoring in the final overs, finishing with an unbeaten 52 off just 29 balls, which included two fours and five sixes.
Shubham Ranjane remained not out on 7 from 5 balls.
Abhisekh Tiwari took two wickets for 38 runs, while Moeen Ali claimed one for Janakpur.
Historic Half Century Partnership
Imran Sheikh and Lokesh Bam made history as the first Nepali duo to score half centuries in the same match in the tournament’s history.
Their performances, along with Russell’s explosive innings, helped Biratnagar set a total that secured their victory.
Both teams now have four points.
This win marked Biratnagar Kings’ second consecutive victory after losing their first two matches, giving them four points from four games.
Janakpur Bolts also have four points from four games following their second loss of the season.
Russell was the standout performer with both bat and ball in this intense match.