Sudurpaschim Royals secured their place in the final of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) T20 Cricket Tournament with an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Janakpur Bolts in the first qualifier at the TU Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, on Wednesday.
Chasing a modest target of 140 runs, the Royals reached 142/2 in just 18.3 overs. Binod Bhandari led the charge, scoring a match-winning 58 off 55 balls, including three boundaries and three sixes. Saif Zaib contributed a quick-fire 32 off 21 balls, while captain Dipendra Singh Airee remained unbeaten with 20 runs off 16 balls, supported by Brandon McMullen’s 25 runs off 19 deliveries.
Earlier, the Royals’ bowlers restricted Janakpur Bolts to 139/9 in 20 overs after electing to field. Dipendra Singh Airee starred with the ball, claiming three wickets, while Saif Zaib added two. Scott Kuggeleijn and Abinash Bohara chipped in with a wicket each.
For Janakpur, James Neesham top-scored with a brisk 45 off 23 balls, including three boundaries and three sixes. Contributions from Shubh Kansakar (26 off 24 balls) and Aasif Sheikh (11 runs) could not lift the team to a competitive total.
Despite the loss, Janakpur Bolts have another opportunity to reach the final. They will face Karnali Yaks in the second qualifier on Thursday. The winner of that match will meet Sudurpaschim Royals in the final, setting the stage for an exciting climax to the tournament.
19th Dec 2024
Comments