The Sudur Paschim Royals Royals continued their exceptional form from the Nepal Premier League (NPL) round-robin stage into Qualifier 1, securing a dominant 8-wicket victory over Janakpur Bolts on Wednesday at TU Cricket Ground, Kirtipur. With this win, they have booked a spot in the final.
Having won six out of seven league-stage matches, Sudur Paschim Royals delivered another strong performance. Chasing a target of 140 runs, Binod Bhandari led the charge with an unbeaten 58 runs off 55 balls, including three fours and three sixes. The team reached 142/1 in just 18.3 overs.
Bhandari shared a 56-run opening stand with Saif Zaib, who scored 32 runs off 21 balls with three fours and two sixes. He also built a 59-run partnership for the second wicket with Brandon McMullen, who contributed 23 runs off 19 balls. Skipper Dipendra Singh Airee remained unbeaten on 21 runs off 16 balls.
Sudur Paschim Royals had earlier humiliated Janakpur in the league stage by bowling them out for just 51 runs, the lowest score in NPL history, and winning that match by 72 runs.
Janakpur, batting first in Qualifier 1, managed 139/9 in 20 overs. Jimmy Neesham top-scored with 45 runs off 23 balls, hitting three fours and three sixes. Stand-in captain Aasif Sheikh, filling in for the injured Anil Sah, scored 11 runs, while opener Lahiru Milantha contributed 12 runs. Contributions from Shubha Kansakar (26) and Harsh Thakur (12) were not enough to set a competitive target.
Dipendra Singh Airee was the standout bowler for Sudur Paschim Royals, taking 3 wickets for 29 runs in 4 overs. Saif Zaib claimed 2 wickets, while Scott Kuggeleijn and Abinash Bohara took one each.
Sudur Paschim Royals will now face the winner of Thursday’s Qualifier 2 between Karnali Yaks and Janakpur Bolts in the final on Saturday. The team has the advantage of two days’ rest, while their opponent will come into the final after back-to-back matches with just one day to recover.
Karnali Yaks Shine in Eliminator Victory Over Chitwan Rhinos
In the first match of the day, Karnali Yaks eliminated Chitwan Rhinos with a 21-run win in the Eliminator, advancing to Qualifier 2. Batting first, Karnali posted an impressive 175/6 in 20 overs. Jaykishan Kolsawala, playing his first match of the tournament, scored 53 runs off 39 balls with six fours and two sixes. He was supported by William Bosisto (52 runs off 39 balls) and Chadwick Walton (46* off 23 balls).
Chitwan struggled in their chase, finishing at 154/9. Ravi Bopara fought hard with 53 runs off 34 balls, including three fours and four sixes, but lacked support from other batters. Bipin Rawal (16), Kushal Malla (21), and Luc Benkenstein (16) made minor contributions.
Karnali’s bowling was led by Zeeshan Maqsood, who took 3 wickets for 26 runs in 4 overs. Nandan Yadav and Sompal Kami claimed 2 wickets each, while Bipin Sharma took 1 wicket.
Chitwan’s elimination marks the end of their NPL journey, despite Bopara’s consistent performances throughout the tournament. Karnali’s win sets up an exciting clash with Janakpur Bolts in Qualifier 2, with the winner progressing to the final against Sudur Paschim Royals Royals.
