NPL Cricket 2025: Sudurpaschim & Biratnagar to play first match of Qualifier-1 today
Sudurpaschim Royals and Biratnagar Kings are taking on in the match to be held at 4:00 pm in the TU International Cricket Stadium.
KATHMANDU: The Nepal Premier League (NPL) has concluded its league stage, setting the stage for a thrilling first qualifier on Tuesday as table-toppers Sudurpaschim Royals clash with Biratnagar Kings.
The match will take place at Tribhuvan International Cricket Ground at 4:00 PM, with the winner earning a direct spot in the final, while the losing side will face the eliminator winner between Kathmandu and Lumbini.
With high pressure looming, the performance of key players will be decisive.
Both teams will rely on their star performers, who have shown consistency and form during the league stage, to guide them toward victory.
Key Players for Sudurpaschim Royals
Senior batsman Binod Bhandari has once again emerged as the Royals’ dependable run-scorer. In seven matches, he has scored 201 runs at an average of 33.50, including an unbeaten 69 as his highest score, with 20 fours and six sixes at a strike rate of 108.64.
Aarif Sheikh has contributed 160 runs, while captain and all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee added 146 runs. Aggressive opener Chris Lynn has scored 143 runs, solidifying the top order.
Leading the bowling attack, Avinash Bohara has claimed 14 wickets at an average of 12.28, including a standout 4 for 30 with an economy of 7.81. He is supported by Hermit Singh (10 wickets) and Scott Kuggeleijn (8 wickets).
Key Players for Biratnagar Kings
For Biratnagar, captain Sandeep Lamichhane has spearheaded the bowling attack with 15 wickets in seven matches, maintaining an economy of 5.10 and an average of 9.53.
His best performance, 4 for 11, came in a dominant display that kept opposition batsmen under pressure. Supporting him are Merchant de Lange (8 wickets) and Shubham Subash Ranjane (5 wickets).
With the bat, Basir Ahamad has been the leading scorer, amassing 176 runs in seven games at an average of 29.33 and a strike rate of 127.53, with an unbeaten 62 as his highest.
Lokesh Bam has also been prolific with 165 runs, including a top score of 72, while international stars Martin Guptill and Faf du Plessis have provided experience and crucial performances at key moments.
After losing to Biratnagar in the final league match, Sudurpaschim Royals will be eager to exact revenge in the qualifier.
With both teams boasting in-form players in batting and bowling, Tuesday’s clash promises to be an exciting contest with the winner taking a direct path to the final.
