The Nepal Premier League (NPL) continues to grow as a breeding ground for exceptional cricketing talent. Every edition brings standout performances that capture the attention of fans and analysts alike. In the 2024 season, several NPL players stood head and shoulders above the rest, leaving a lasting mark with their brilliance. Let’s take a closer look at the top NPL players who truly rocked the league.
Saif Zaib – The All-Round Marvel
Saif Zaib of Sudurpaschim Royals emerged as the complete package in the 2024 season. His match awareness and versatility made him indispensable to his team. Whether it was anchoring a tricky chase or breaking crucial partnerships, Zaib always delivered when it mattered most.
He not only scored consistently but also provided breakthroughs with the ball. Among NPL players, his value as a multi-role cricketer set him apart and earned him the Player of the Tournament award.
Team: Sudurpaschim Royals
Role: All-Rounder
Runs Scored: 174
Wickets Taken: 7
Player of the Tournament
Lahiru Milantha – The Run Machine
Janakpur Bolts’ Lahiru Milantha was the backbone of their batting lineup. With his calm presence at the top of the order, he accumulated 293 runs and became the highest run-scorer of the season. His adaptability to switch gears made him a consistent threat across matches.
In pressure situations, Milantha’s composure stood out. He was often the player who laid the foundation for big totals and successful chases—one of the most dependable NPL players in recent memory.
Team: Janakpur Royals
Role: Opening Batsman
Runs Scored: 293
Highest Score: 93
Strike Rate: 128.37
Scott Kuggeleijn – The Wicket-Taking Beast
Scott Kuggeleijn brought raw pace and aggression to the NPL. Representing Sudurpaschim Royals, he dismantled batting lineups with his attacking bowling style. His 17 wickets made him one of the joint highest wicket-takers of the season.
Kuggeleijn’s impact was felt right from the powerplay overs. His ability to strike early and return in the death overs to clean up the tail made him a go-to bowler. Among foreign NPL players, he led with both experience and performance.
Team: Sudurpaschim Royals
Role: Fast Bowler
Wickets Taken: 17
Best Bowling Figures: 5/32
Economy Rate: 7.05
Lalit Rajbanshi – Nepal’s Spin Sensation
Lalit Rajbanshi showcased the craft of left-arm spin at its finest. He tied as the leading wicket-taker of the season, proving that local talent could stand toe-to-toe with international players in the NPL. His economy rate was among the best in the league.
Rajbanshi often came into the attack during tight moments and turned the game around with his flight, guile, and sharp spin. A top NPL performer, he has become a role model for aspiring spinners across Nepal.
Team: Janakpur Royals
Role: Left-Arm Spinner
Wickets Taken: 17
Best Bowling Figures: 4/25
Economy Rate: 6.12
Andries Gous – The Century Maker
Andries Gous of Pokhara Avengers lit up the league with a magnificent unbeaten 104*, the first century of the 2024 season. His innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression, propelling his team to a strong win over Lumbini Lions.
His fearless hitting and ability to dominate bowlers made him a fan-favorite. Gous proved that explosive knocks can change the momentum in T20s, placing him among the most talked-about NPL players of the season.
Team: Pokhara Avengers
Role: Top-Order Batsman
Runs Scored: 168
Highest Score: 104*
Strike Rate: 151.35
Lasting Impact of NPL 2024’s Star Performers
From dominating batsmen to unplayable bowlers, these top NPL players were the driving force behind their teams’ success in 2024. Their performances didn’t just win matches—they elevated the entire standard of the Nepal Premier League.
As we look ahead to the next NPL season, these star players have set the bar high for what it means to shine on Nepal’s biggest cricketing stage. Stay tuned for more NPL updates, player rankings, and exclusive insights into Nepal’s most electrifying T20 league.
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