Sudurpaschim Royals advanced to the final of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) after defeating Janakpur Bolts by 8 wickets in the first qualifier played at the Tribhuvan University Ground in Kirtipur on Wednesday.
Chasing a modest target of 140 runs, Sudurpaschim comfortably achieved it in 18.3 overs with the loss of just 2 wickets, finishing at 141/2.
Opener Binod Bhandari led the charge with an unbeaten half-century, scoring 58 runs off 55 balls with 3 fours and 3 sixes. He was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance. Saif Zaib contributed 32 runs, Brandon McMullen added 25, and captain Dipendra Singh Airee remained unbeaten on 20.
For Janakpur, Lalit Rajbanshi and Kishore Mahato took one wicket each. Sudurpaschim will now play the winner of the second qualifier between Karnali Yaks and Janakpur Bolts in the final on Saturday.
Earlier on Wednesday, in the eliminator match, Karnali Yaks defeated Chitwan Rhinos by 21 runs to secure a place in the second qualifier. That match will take place on Thursday.
Janakpur, batting first after winning the toss, posted a total of 139/9 in their 20 overs. James Neesham top-scored with 45 runs, while Subh Kansakar made 26. Openers Lahiru Milantha and Harsh Thaker contributed 12 runs each, and captain Aasif Sheikh and Araniko Yadav added 11 runs apiece.
Sudurpaschim’s captain Dipendra Singh Airee was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 wickets. Saif Zaib grabbed 2 wickets, while Scott Kuggeleijn and Abinash Bohara took one wicket each.
Sudurpaschim Royals have been in great form throughout the tournament, losing only one of their seven league matches. On the other hand, Janakpur Bolts started the league with impressive performances, winning five out of seven matches and suffering only two losses.
