November 3, 2026: Andre Russell delivered a match-winning all-round performance as Biratnagar Kings edged past Janakpur Bolts by two runs in the 12th match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2026 at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Tuesday.
Russell first scored an unbeaten 52 off 29 balls to help Biratnagar post 174/3 in 20 overs. He then returned with the ball to claim four wickets, including bowling the final over, as Janakpur finished their chase at 172/7.
His performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
Imran Sheikh and Lokesh Bam Lay the Foundation
After Janakpur elected to bowl, Biratnagar suffered an early setback when Shehan Jayasuriya was dismissed for one in the opening over. Imran Sheikh and Lokesh Bam steadied the innings with a 107-run partnership for the second wicket. Imran scored 56 off 45 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes, while Bam made 50 from 40 deliveries, including three fours and three sixes.
Bam departed at 146/3 in the 18th over, leaving Russell to provide the late acceleration. The West Indies all-rounder remained unbeaten on 52 off 29 balls, striking five sixes and two fours. He also shared an unbeaten 28-run partnership with Shubham Ranjane, who finished on seven off five deliveries. Biratnagar added 62 runs in the final five overs to reach 174/3.
For Janakpur, Abhishek Tiwari claimed two wickets for 38 runs in four overs, while Moeen Ali finished with 1/13 from two overs.
Saif Hassan's Half-Century Not Enough for Janakpur
Chasing 175, Janakpur Bolts stayed in contention throughout the innings, with Saif Hassan leading their effort with an impressive 71 off 48 balls. The Bolts reached 162/5 after 19 overs, leaving them needing 13 runs from the final six deliveries. Russell was handed the responsibility of defending the target and delivered under pressure.
Janakpur managed only 10 runs in the final over, finishing on 172/7 and falling just two runs short of victory. Russell completed his spell with figures of 4/45, adding a decisive bowling contribution to his half-century.