In a spectacular display of power-hitting, Biratnagar Kings handed Sudurpaschim Royals their first defeat of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) season 2, securing a commanding six-wicket victory and catapulting themselves into Qualifier 1. The victory, achieved with ruthless efficiency, came in the final league stage match between the two top teams at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Saturday.1
The Kings chased down the target of 148 runs in a blistering 11.5 overs, a performance driven by an electrifying opening stand that left the Royals’ bowling attack completely dismantled.
The Du Plessis-Heazlett Blitz
The foundation of the dominating win was laid by the opening pair of Faf du Plessis and Sam Heazlett. The duo put on a massive 97-run partnership in less than seven overs, injecting an explosive start that instantly put the game beyond Sudurpaschim’s reach.
- Faf du Plessis was in a destructive mood, smashing the second-fastest half-century in NPL history, reaching the milestone in just 19 balls before being dismissed for a blistering 50 runs. His innings was studded with five fours and four sixes, including a crucial four boundaries and a six off a single over bowled by Sudurpaschim captain Dipendra Singh Airee.
- Sam Heazlett was equally aggressive, scoring 51 runs off 27 deliveries, hitting three fours and four sixes to match his partner’s tempo.
Even after the openers departed, the momentum didn’t slow. A quick cameo from Martin Guptill (22 runs off 9 balls) maintained the required run rate, and Pratish GC sealed the emphatic win with consecutive sixes off Abinash Bohara, ensuring the Kings crossed the line inside the crucial 13-over mark needed to boost their net run rate above Kathmandu Gorkhas.
Royals Post 147/6
Earlier, after being asked to bat first, Sudurpaschim Royals managed a competitive total of 147 for six. The innings was anchored by a resilient 72-run partnership between Aarif Sheikh and Ishan Pandey.
- Aarif Sheikh remained unbeaten with 45 runs off 32 balls, while Ishan Pandey contributed 38 runs off 35 balls.
- Captain Dipendra Singh Airee chipped in with a brisk 19 off 11 balls.
Biratnagar Kings captain Sandeep Lamichhane led the bowling attack, claiming three wickets for just 20 runs. Pratish GC, finishing strong, picked up two wickets in the final over, conceding only four runs.
Match Summary
| Team | Score | Overs |
| Sudurpaschim Royals | 147/6 | 20.0 |
| Biratnagar Kings | 148/4 | 11.5 |
The dominant performance by the Kings means both teams will now face off again in the Qualifier 1 on Tuesday, with the winner earning a direct entry into the NPL Final.
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