Sudurpaschim Royals and Janakpur Bolts have secured their spots in the final of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), setting the stage for a thrilling showdown. Fans are already debating who will win the title. While some believe Sudurpaschim will dominate, others predict that Janakpur will take revenge after their earlier defeats.
The winner of the NPL will receive the highest cash prize in the tournament’s history: NPR 11 million. This record-breaking prize has generated significant buzz among fans and players alike. Additionally, the best Nepali player of the tournament will receive an OMODA car, another highly anticipated reward.
Key Contenders for the OMODA Car Prize
- Dipendra Singh Airee:
Sudurpaschim Royals’ captain has been a standout performer throughout the tournament. Known for his calm leadership, Dipendra has excelled in all areas of the game—batting, bowling, and fielding. He scored crucial runs at important moments, including an unbeaten 47 against Biratnagar and a match-winning 43 not out against Lumbini. In the qualifiers, he took 3 wickets against Janakpur, making him instrumental in securing Sudurpaschim’s place in the final. Overall, Dipendra has taken 8 wickets and scored consistently, solidifying his status as a top contender for the Player of the Series award. - Lalit Rajbanshi:
Janakpur Bolts’ star spinner, Lalit Rajbanshi, has been one of the most consistent performers in the tournament. With 16 wickets to his name, he shares the top spot for most wickets with Sudur’s Scott Kuggeleijn. Lalit has played a crucial role in Janakpur’s victories, regularly breaking partnerships and restricting the opposition’s run rate. His best performance came against Kathmandu, where he took 3 wickets while conceding just 8 runs in 4 overs, including 2 maiden overs. Lalit’s ability to deliver in key moments makes him a strong contender for the Player of the Series prize. - Rohit Paudel:
Although Lumbini Lions were eliminated in the group stage, their captain, Rohit Paudel, delivered impressive performances with both bat and ball. He scored two half-centuries, including a blistering 95 against Pokhara and an all-round performance of 80 runs and 4 wickets against Chitwan. Despite his team’s struggles, Rohit remains the highest run-scorer among Nepali players, showcasing his immense talent and determination.
Other Top Performers
- Kushal Malla: Second on the list of top run-scorers among Nepali players, Kushal scored 223 runs, including a half-century.
- Rejan Dhakal: The left-arm medium pacer from Chitwan impressed with 13 wickets, demonstrating his bowling prowess.
- Bipin Prasad Sharma: The young spinner from Karnali, a talent hunt discovery, also took 13 wickets, proving his potential in the tournament.
The Final Showdown
The NPL final promises to be a clash of skill, strategy, and determination. Sudurpaschim Royals, led by the all-round brilliance of Dipendra Singh Airee, will aim to maintain their dominance. Meanwhile, Janakpur Bolts, powered by Lalit Rajbanshi’s spin magic, will seek to turn the tables and claim the title.
In addition to the championship, all eyes will be on the coveted OMODA car prize for the Player of the Series. The final match will not only crown the NPL champions but also determine the player who has made the most significant impact in the tournament.
The grand finale will be a spectacle, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the outcome.
