Sudurpaschim Royals secured a six-wicket win against Karnali Yaks in the Nepal Premier League at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, on Monday.
Pursuing a modest goal of 102, Sudurpaschim achieved 105 for 4 in 15.2 overs, with Ishan Pandey and captain Dipendra Singh Airee stabilizing the innings. Airee’s rapid 38 off 29 balls, featuring four fours and a six, along with Pandey’s 38 from 36 balls, led the Royals to an easy victory.
Karnali’s bowlers found it difficult to limit the rivals following a strong beginning. Captain Sompal Kami captured 1 wicket for 20 runs in 2.2 overs, while Bipin Sharma and Nandan Yadav contributed with one wicket apiece. Although Karnali made early progress, the Royals kept their cool to secure the victory.
Previously, Karnali Yaks batted first after Sudurpaschim won the toss and chose to field. The Yaks were dismissed for 101 in 20 overs, failing to take advantage of the powerplay. Zeeshan Maqsood led the scoring with 30 runs from 35 balls, however, the rest of the batting order struggled. William Bosisto scored 16 runs, whereas Sompal Kami made 11 runs from nine balls.
The bowlers of Sudurpaschim controlled the innings, as Harmeet Singh spearheaded the effort with stats of 3 for 17. Scott Kuggeleijn and Dipendra Singh Airee each took two wickets, while Saif Zaib secured one. The Royals’ structured bowling limited Karnali’s chances to score, with just four players achieving double-digit runs.
Even with the defeat, Karnali Yaks have earned their position as the fourth team in the playoffs, while Kathmandu Gurkhas have been removed from contention after the league stage. Sudurpaschim Royals could not reach Karnali’s target of 102 runs in 13 overs, which was necessary for Kathmandu Gurkhas to move forward to the playoffs. Consequently, Karnali Yaks advanced to the playoffs.
Sudurpaschim Royals will face Janakpur Bolts in the initial qualifier after beating Karnali Yaks in the final league game on Monday.
In the meantime, the Chitwan Rhinos will face the Karnali Yaks in the eliminator match.
At the conclusion of the league phase, Sudurpaschim led the standings with 12 points from seven games, with Janakpur in the second position. Chitwan attained third position, whereas Karnali came in fourth.
The victor of the initial qualifier will proceed straight to the final, whereas the defeated team will meet the eliminator winner in the second qualifier for an additional opportunity to qualify for the final.
