Kathmandu, December 18
Sudurpaschim Royals secured their place in the final of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) with an impressive 8-wicket victory over Janakpur Bolts, thanks to an unbeaten half-century by opener Binod Bhandari.
Chasing a target of 140 runs set by Janakpur, Sudurpaschim reached 141/2 in 18.3 overs. Binod remained unbeaten on 58 runs off 55 balls, hitting three fours and three sixes. Captain Dipendra Singh Airee contributed an unbeaten 20 runs from 16 balls, with one four and a six, sealing the win with a boundary.
Janakpur’s Lalit Rajbanshi and Kishore Mahato took one wicket each.
Earlier, Janakpur opted to bat first after winning the toss and posted 139/9 in their 20 overs. Jimmy Neesham top-scored with 45 runs off 23 balls, including three fours and three sixes, while Subash Khakurel added 26 off 24 balls. The rest of the batting lineup failed to make significant contributions.
For Sudurpaschim, captain Dipendra Singh Airee was the standout bowler, taking 3 wickets. Saif Ali Zai claimed 2 wickets, while Scott Kuggeleijn and Avinash Bohara grabbed one each.
This marks Sudurpaschim’s second victory over Janakpur in the tournament.
Despite the loss, Janakpur will have another chance to qualify for the final. They will face the winner of the Eliminator match between Karnali Yaks and another team in Qualifier 2 on Thursday.
