Binod Bhandari’s flawless half-century propelled Sudurpaschim Royals to an 8-wicket win against Janakpur Bolts on Wednesday, clinching a place in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) final at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, Kirtipur.
Pursuing a target of 140 in Qualifier 1, Sudurpaschim comfortably achieved it in just 18.3 overs. Bhandari made an undefeated 58 from 55 deliveries, featuring three fours and three sixes. His wicket was bolstered by the collaboration of Saif Zaib (32 from 21) and Brandon McMullen (23 from 19). Captain Dipendra Singh Airee made a rapid 21 runs off 16 balls to complete the chase.
Janakpur, choosing to bat first, scored 139 runs for 9 wickets in their 20 overs. Jimmy Neesham led the scoring with a rapid 45 from 23 deliveries, smashing three fours and three sixes, while Subash Khakurel contributed 26. Nonetheless, other batters found it difficult to handle Sudurpaschim’s precise bowling.
Airee was the standout bowler for Sudurpaschim, claiming 3 wickets for 29 runs in his 4 overs. Saif Zaib took 2 wickets, while both Scott Kuggeleijn and Abinash Bohara contributed one each.
Sudurpaschim will face the victor of Thursday’s Qualifier 2, which is between Janakpur Bolts and Karnali Yaks, in the final on Saturday.
