Sudurpaschim Royals have advanced to the first qualifier of the Nepal Premier League (NPL).
In the final league match held at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Monday, Sudurpaschim defeated Karnali Yaks by six wickets.
With this victory, Sudurpaschim finished at the top of the table with 12 points from seven matches and secured their place in the first qualifier. Janakpur Bolts, who are in second place with 10 points, have also qualified for the qualifier. The first qualifier will see Sudurpaschim and Janakpur face off, with the winner directly advancing to the final.
Despite the loss, Karnali qualified for the playoffs with eight points, edging out Kathmandu based on net run rate. Chitwan Rhinos, also with eight points, had already secured their playoff spot. Karnali and Chitwan will now face each other in the eliminator match.
With the conclusion of the league stage, Kathmandu failed to make the playoffs due to an inferior net run rate compared to Karnali. Among the eight teams in the NPL, Biratnagar Kings, Pokhara Avengers, and Lumbini Lions were already eliminated from the tournament.
Chasing a modest target of 102 runs, Sudurpaschim reached 105/4 in 15.2 overs.
For Sudurpaschim, captain Dipendra Singh Airee scored 38 runs, Ishan Pandey remained unbeaten on 38, and opener Saif Zaib contributed 11 runs. For Karnali, Sompal Kami, Bipin Sharma, and Nandan Yadav took one wicket each.
Earlier, after losing the toss and being put to bat, Karnali were bowled out for 101 in their allotted 20 overs.
Jeesan Maqsood top-scored for Karnali with 30 runs, while William Basisto added 16, Babar Hayat 13, and Chadwick Walton and captain Sompal Kami chipped in with 11 runs each.
In bowling, Sudurpaschim’s Harmit Singh took three wickets, while captain Dipendra Singh Airee and Scott Kuggeleijn claimed two wickets each. Saif Zubair picked up one wicket. Dipendra Singh was declared the Player of the Match for his all-round performance.
