Sudurpaschim Royals have qualified for the playoffs of the second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) after registering their fifth consecutive victory.
Sudurpaschim sealed their playoff berth with two matches still remaining in the league stage. In a match played today at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, Sudurpaschim defeated defending champions Janakpur Bolts by six wickets to secure their spot.
The victory was highlighted by excellent batting performances from Binod Bhandari and Ishan Pandey, and a brilliant bowling display from Abinash Bohara. Chasing a target of 146, Sudurpaschim successfully reached the required runs in 17.4 overs, losing four wickets.
After losing two wickets for just one run, Sudurpaschim was stabilized by Binod and Ishan, who put together a crucial 92-run partnership. Ishan Pandey was the top scorer with 56 runs, while Binod Bhandari contributed 42 runs. For Janakpur, Sadakat was the most successful bowler, taking two wickets, while Sanjay and Aditya took one wicket each.
Earlier, after winning the toss and electing to bat first, Janakpur scored 145 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Sanjay Krishnamurthi was the highest run-scorer with 50 runs, supported by Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton who added 39 runs. Abinash Bohara was the star bowler for Sudurpaschim, claiming four wickets, and Scott Kuggeleijn took three wickets.
Sudurpaschim now has 10 points from five consecutive wins. Meanwhile, this is Janakpur's fourth consecutive loss, leaving them at the bottom of the table without opening their account. Their playoff chances are now only mathematically possible.
