The Sudurpaschim Royals secured a decisive victory in Qualifier 1 of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) Season 2, defeating the Biratnagar Kings by a massive 77 runs at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. The win propels the Royals directly into the tournament final, while the Kings will now compete in Qualifier 2 for a second chance at the title.
The Royals’ Innings: Bhandari’s Heroics
After Biratnagar Kings won the toss and elected to bowl, Sudurpaschim Royals posted a competitive total of 155 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was anchored by a valiant half-century from opener Binod Bhandari, who top-scored with 63 runs off 52 balls, including three fours and two sixes.
Contributions from the top and middle order, including a quickfire 20 off 11 from debutant Sheldon Jackson and an unbeaten 20 off 13 from Aarif Sheikh, ensured a strong finish. For the Kings, bowlers Pratish GC and Marchant de Lange were the pick of the attack, claiming two wickets each.
Kings’ Collapse: A Dismal Chase
Chasing a target of 156, the Biratnagar Kings’ star-studded batting line-up collapsed dramatically. They were bowled out for a meager 78 runs in just 14.1 overs, never recovering from a devastating start that saw them lose their top three batsmen cheaply.
The only significant resistance came from South African veteran Faf du Plessis, who managed to score 36 runs off 29 balls. However, his dismissal effectively ended any realistic hope for the Kings. The Royals’ bowling attack was clinical, with Scott Kuggeleijn, Abinash Bohora, and Harmeet Singh each picking up two wickets to dismantle the chase.
Binod Bhandari was rightfully named the Player of the Match for his crucial batting performance.
What’s Next?
- Sudurpaschim Royals have booked their spot in the NPL Final on December 13.
- Biratnagar Kings will get a second chance, as they will face the winner of the Eliminator (between Kathmandu Gorkhas and Lumbini Lions) in Qualifier 2.
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