Four teams eye NPL title as playoffs approach

KATHMANDU: The second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) is entering its decisive stage, with four teams in contention for the championship.

Sudurpashchim Royals, topping the table with 12 points, will face Biratnagar Kings, who are second with 10 points, in the first qualifier.

Meanwhile, Kathmandu Gorkhas, also on 10 points but trailing Biratnagar on net run rate, will take on Lumbini Lions in the eliminator. Lumbini secured their playoff spot with 8 points from seven matches. All four teams are chasing the crown, while defending champions Janakpur Bolts failed to make the playoffs this season.

Sudurpashchim Royals

Led by Dipendra Singh Airee, the previous season’s runners-up have emerged as strong title contenders. Winning six out of seven league matches, Royals’ victories have been powered by different match-winning performances each time. Notable players include foreign all-rounders and local talents like Ishan Pandey and Binod Bhandari, who contributed with both bat and ball in key games. Despite losing their final league match to Biratnagar, Royals remain favorites, with coach Jagat Tamata confident of clinching the title.

Biratnagar Kings

Under the leadership of Sandeep Lamichhane, Biratnagar won five league matches to secure a place in the first qualifier. After a strong start with three consecutive wins, the team faced setbacks in two matches but recovered to finish the league on a high. Lamichhane emphasized the team’s collective effort, noting that multiple players have stepped up as match-winners.

Kathmandu Gorkhas

Captain Karan KC has guided Kathmandu to the playoffs with five wins out of seven league games. After early defeats to Sudurpashchim and Biratnagar, the team bounced back strongly, defeating Lumbini, Chitwan, Karnali, and Pokhara in successive matches. KC highlighted the team’s focus on improving weaknesses from the league stage to aim for the championship.

Lumbini Lions

Led by Rohit Kumar Paudel, Lumbini also secured a playoff spot with four wins, including victories in their last three league games. Paudel expressed confidence in his team’s ability to challenge any opponent and lift the trophy.

The first qualifier between Sudurpashchim Royals and Biratnagar Kings will be played on Mangsir 23 at 4:00 PM, with the winner advancing directly to the final.

The eliminator between Kathmandu Gorkhas and Lumbini Lions follows on Mangsir 24 at 4:00 PM, and the second qualifier is scheduled for Mangsir 25 at 4:00 PM.

The NPL final will be held on Mangsir 27 at 3:30 PM at Tribhuvan International Cricket Stadium, Kirtipur.

Eight teams are competing this season: Sudurpashchim Royals, Biratnagar Kings, Kathmandu Gorkhas, Lumbini Lions, Pokhara Avengers, Chitwan Rhinos, Karnali Yaks, and Janakpur Bolts.