Kathmandu: Biratnagar Kings defended a modest 136-run target to seal a nine-run victory over holders Janakpur Bolts, registering their third win in a row in the Nepal Premier League T20 on Monday. The result also inflicted the champions with their second straight defeat.

Sent in to bat first at the TU Cricket Stadium in Kirtipur, the Kings posted 135-7 before restricting the Bolts to 126-9, as captain Sandeep Lamichhane starred with the ball, returning impressive figures of 4-11 from his four-over spell.

With the win, Biratnagar climbed to the top of the eight-team standings with a maximum six points while champions Janakpur are yet to get off the mark.

Middle-order batters Shubham Ranjane (37) and Basir Ahamad (36) made valuable contributions for the Kings. The top scorer Ranjane hit two boundaries and as many sixes in his 29-ball knock while Basir struck three fours off 35 deliveries. Openers Lokesh Bam (28) and George Munsey (10) along with Martin Guptill (13), also chipped in, though the Kings were reeling at 55-3 before Basir and Ranjane steadied the innings.

Biratnagar bowlers Sangeeth Cooray (2-26) and Rupesh Singh (2-12) also picked up wickets.

Chasing the target, the Bolts lost wickets at regular intervals despite a fighting 41 off 30 balls from Namibian batter Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, who struck four boundaries and a six before being run out in the final over. Opener Lahiru Milantha contributed 23 off 22, while his partner Aasif Sheikh (13) and captain Anil Sah (4) fell cheaply. Sanjay Krishnamurthi added a useful 20 runs.

Captain Lamichhane spearheaded the Kings’ bowling attack and dismissed Rupesh Singh and Sangeeth Cooray in consecutive deliveries in the 18th over to push the Bolts further onto the back foot. Surya Tamang also impressed with figures of 2-20 from his four-over spell.

Karnali Yaks take on Sudurpaschim Royals in the late fixture of the day.