The BIK vs JAB clash in the 12th match of the Nepal Premier League 2026 gave fans plenty to talk about on 3 November. Biratnagar Kings built a competitive total at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. Janakpur Bolts then began a tricky chase.
Here is how the game unfolded.
Toss and Playing XI
Janakpur Bolts won the toss and chose to field first. That is a common call at Kirtipur, where chasing sides have a good record. Even so, the average first-innings total at this ground in the NPL is around 157, so the Kings knew a score near 170 would put real pressure on the Bolts. cricinfocricketworld
Janakpur’s XI had Moeen Ali, Trit Raj Das, Saif Hassan, captain Harmeet Singh, wicketkeeper Anil Sah, James Neesham, Abhisekh Tiwari, Amar Routela, Lalit Rajbanshi, Rahul Yadav and Bishal Shusling. Biratnagar’s batting order was packed with power, with Andre Russell, Angelo Mathews and captain Sandeep Lamichhane all in the line-up. cricinfocricinfo
Biratnagar Kings’ Innings: Steady Start, Strong Finish
The Kings lost an early wicket. Shehan Jayasuriya was stumped by Anil Sah off Moeen Ali for just 1. Instead of panicking, the Kings rebuilt through their middle order. cricinfo
Lokesh Bam and Imran Sheikh anchored the innings. The pair shared a partnership of 79 runs in 9.2 overs. At the halfway mark, Biratnagar were 81/1. Imran Sheikh finished with 56 off 45 balls, including five fours and two sixes. Lokesh Bam reached 50 off 40 balls with three fours and three sixes. Live Report & Scorecard of Biratnagar Kings vs Janakpur Bolts 12th T20 +3
Andre Russell provided the finish. The Windies all-rounder came in during the closing overs and played the role the Kings wanted from him. He scored 35 off 23 balls with two fours and three sixes. His hitting, along with a late cameo from Shubham Ranjane, lifted the Kings to 174/3 at the end of 20 overs. cricinfoESPN
Janakpur Bolts’ Bowling: Tiwari Stands Out
Several Bolts bowlers kept things tight in the middle overs, but one stood out. Abhisekh Tiwari took 2 wickets for 19 runs in his 3 overs. Rahul Yadav went for 29 runs in his 4 overs without a wicket, but he stayed economical. Moeen Ali also made an early dent with the Jayasuriya wicket. 12th Match, Kirtipur, November 03, 2026, Nepal Premier League (Shubham Ranjane 6*, Andre Russell 35*, Abhisekh Tiwari 2/19, BIK vs JAB live score, 12th Match, Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, November 03, 2026 +2
The Bolts will probably feel they let the Kings get away in the last three overs. Russell and Ranjane took advantage of that window.
The Chase Begins: Early Pressure on Janakpur
A target of 175 is demanding for a side with a modest powerplay record. Janakpur were 30/2 after 4.2 overs, and Moeen Ali fell for 10 off 14 balls. That slow start pushed the required run rate up early and put the middle order under pressure. ratopati
For the Bolts to stay in the contest, the experienced hitters had to carry the innings, especially James Neesham and captain Harmeet Singh. Wickets in hand would also matter, since the Kings’ bowling attack includes Sandeep Lamichhane. Lamichhane was one of the leading wicket-takers of the previous NPL season, with 17 wickets in 2025. Wikipedia
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Why This BIK vs JAB Match Matters
Both teams are looking to build early momentum in the 2026 season. Biratnagar Kings have shown they can win with structured batting and experienced overseas players. Janakpur Bolts, champions of the first NPL season, are trying to regain the form that won them the 2024 title. They were eliminated in the league stage in 2025. Wikipedia
The head-to-head rivalry is also growing. In 2025 the two sides met in a low-scoring thriller where Biratnagar defended 135 and won by 9 runs. That history made this fixture more interesting. outlookindia
Key Takeaways from the First Innings
- Partnership play: Bam and Sheikh’s 79-run stand set the platform.
- Finishing power: Russell’s 35 off 23 balls pushed the total beyond par.
- Bowling discipline: Tiwari’s 2/19 was the best return for the Bolts.
- Pressure points: Janakpur lost early wickets in the chase, which made the required rate climb.
Final Word
The BIK vs JAB match showed why the NPL has become a favourite for T20 fans in Nepal. Kirtipur gave a balanced contest, with power hitting, tactical bowling and plenty of momentum swings. Follow the NPL 2026 updates for the full result, the points table and upcoming fixtures.
