NPL: Sudurpaschim vs Janakpur in qualifier, Karnali vs Chitwan in eliminator
The winner will advance to the second Qualifier, while the losing team will be eliminated from the tournament.
KATHMANDU: The Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League (NPL) is underway at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, with the competition reaching a critical stage today with the Qualifier and Eliminator matches.
In the Eliminator match, Chitwan Rhinos (3rd place) will face Karnali Lions (4th place) at 9 AM.
The winner will advance to the second Qualifier, while the losing team will be eliminated from the tournament.
At 1 PM, the first Qualifier will see table-toppers Sudurpaschim Royals take on second-placed Janakpur Bolts. The winner of this match will secure a direct spot in the final. The losing team will get another chance to reach the final by playing the second Qualifier against the winner of the Eliminator.
Sudurpaschim Royals have been dominant throughout the league stage, losing just one out of seven matches.
Their balanced batting and bowling attack makes them formidable opponents.
Meanwhile, Janakpur Bolts, with five wins and two losses, will aim to bounce back strong despite the absence of captain Anil Sah, who is sidelined due to a hand injury. Aasif Sheikh will lead the Janakpur side in Sah’s absence.
The second Qualifier will take place on Thursday, where the Eliminator winner will battle the loser of the first Qualifier for a place in the final.
The grand finale of the inaugural NPL is scheduled for Saturday at 12 PM.
