Royals storm into NPL 2025 final with 77-run win over Kings (photos)
The Royals had also reached the final last season, beating Janakpur Bolts in Qualifier-1.
KATHMANDU: Sudurpashchim Royals have secured a spot in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2025 final for the second consecutive season.
On Tuesday, at the Tribhuvan International Cricket Ground, Kathmandu, they defeated Biratnagar Kings by 77 runs in Qualifier-1.
The Royals had also reached the final last season, beating Janakpur Bolts in Qualifier-1.
For Biratnagar, the journey continues in Qualifier-2, where they will face the winner of Wednesday’s eliminator between Kathmandu Gorkhas and Lumbini Lions.
Chasing a target of 156 runs, Biratnagar were bowled out for 78 in 14.1 overs, allowing Sudurpashchim to avenge their only loss in the league stage against the same opponents.
Faf du Plessis top-scored for Biratnagar with 36 runs, but his effort couldn’t prevent a comprehensive defeat.
Opener Sam Heazlett was dismissed on the very first ball of the innings, followed by Martin Guptill for just two runs.
Naren Bhatta also failed to score, leaving Biratnagar at 3/3. Later, Basir Ahamad, Lokesh Bam, Narayan Joshi, and Pratish GC fell cheaply, leaving Biratnagar in disarray.
Marchant de Lange contributed 15 runs towards the end, but it was too little, too late.
Earlier, Sudurpashchim Royals posted 155/7, powered by opener Vinod Bhandari’s 63-run knock, which included three fours and two sixes.
Pakistani opener Mukhtar Ahmed added 10 runs, while Sheldon Jackson contributed 20 off 11 balls.
Ishan Pandey scored 13, and Aarif Sheikh managed 20 at the end of the innings.
Dipendra Singh Airee and Harmeet Singh offered minimal contributions, with three and 14 runs respectively.
For Biratnagar, Pratish GC and Marchant de Lange picked up two wickets each.
With this commanding victory, Sudurpashchim Royals are set to face the winner of Qualifier-2 in the NPL 2025 final, aiming to defend their title.
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