Royals edge closer to playoffs with fourth straight win; Lumbini suffer third defeat

KATHMANDU: Sudurpaschim Royals continued their unbeaten run in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) with a dominant seven-wicket victory over Lumbini Lions in Kirtipur on Thursday, powered by opener Binod Bhandari’s match-winning half-century.

With this result, Sudurpaschim Royals registered their fourth consecutive win, strengthening their push for a playoff berth. Lumbini, on the other hand, slumped to their third loss in four matches, putting their campaign under pressure.

Bhandari Leads Confident Chase

Set a target of 144 runs, Sudurpaschim Royals chased it down in 18.2 overs, losing only three wickets. The start was shaky as Josh Brown fell for 9 and Chris Lynn for 16 inside the powerplay, but Bhandari stabilised the innings superbly.

He shared a crucial 99-run stand with Aarif Sheikh for the third wicket, laying the foundation for the win.

Bhandari remained unbeaten on 69 off 49 balls, striking five fours and four sixes. Sheikh contributed 37 off 33 before falling with only six runs needed.

Lumbini used seven bowlers but failed to defend the moderate target, with only Ruben Trumpelmann, Abhishek Gautam and Tilak Raj Bhandari picking a wicket each.

Lumbini Collapse After Strong Start

Earlier, Lumbini—put in to bat—were bowled out for 143 in 19.4 overs. At one stage, they looked set for a competitive total but collapsed in the final five overs, losing seven wickets for just 28 runs.

Captain Rohit Paudel scored 35 off 36, the highest of the innings, while wicketkeeper Dilip Nath added 31, sharing a 52-run stand for the second wicket.

After their dismissal, Lumbini failed to build partnerships, with no other batter crossing double figures except pacer Gulbadin Naib (11).

Far-West bowlers delivered an all-round effort: Avinash Bohara and Harmeet took three wickets each, Hemant Dhami claimed two, and Scott Kuggeleijn chipped in with one.

NPL Sends Social Message Through Special Jerseys

At the ongoing NPL, Janakpur Bolts and Pokhara Avengers took the field with special jerseys aimed at promoting social causes.

Janakpur Honours Mothers

Janakpur wore pink jerseys bearing the names of players’ mothers as a tribute.

Team manager Niroj Khatri said the initiative aimed to “honour mothers and promote positive social values through cricket.”

The jerseys will be auctioned, and proceeds will support community projects run by mothers, along with assistance for mothers who lost children during the Gen Z movement.

Pokhara Promote Nature Conservation

Pokhara switched to a green jersey to spread awareness about climate change and environmental protection.

Team official Subodh Tripathi said the message aligns with their ongoing campaign encouraging the protection of Himalayan glaciers and nature.

Pokhara Avengers Secure First Win; Janakpur Slip to Third Straight Defeat

In the second match of the day, Pokhara Avengers finally opened their account in Season 2 with a 25-run win over defending champions Janakpur Bolts.

Sumit Verma’s All-Round Brilliance

Pokhara posted 155/6 thanks to a blazing 50 off 29 balls from all-rounder Sumit Verma, who struck two fours and four sixes.
Openers Dinesh Kharel (38) and Adam Rossington (24) gave a strong start with 45 runs in the powerplay.

A mini-collapse saw Pokhara slump to 64/4, but Verma and Tritraj Das (29) added a crucial 72-run partnership to rescue the innings.

Janakpur Falter Again

Chasing 156, Janakpur managed only 130/8, slipping to their third consecutive loss.

South African star Wayne Parnell, playing his first NPL match, top-scored with 50 off 38 before retiring hurt late in the innings.

The champions never recovered after losing four wickets for just 37 runs in the powerplay.

Only Sanjay Krishnamurti (25) and Mazz Sadak (20) provided brief support.

Pokhara’s bowling was led by Bipin Khatri, who delivered a superb spell of 4/15 in four overs.

Sumit Verma also took two wickets, while skipper Kushal Bhurtel and Jimmy Neesham claimed one each.

Janakpur’s bowlers Sanjay (3 wickets), Anil Sah and Lalit Rajbanshi (1 each) tried to fight back earlier in the game, but the total proved insufficient.