Sudurpaschim becomes first team to reach NPL playoff

Kathmandu, Nov 29: Sudurpaschim Royals became the first team to secure a playoff spot in the second edition of the Nepal Premier League by winning five matches consecutively.

The team made its place in the playoffs before playing two matches. Sudurpaschim secured its place defeating Janakpur Bolts by six wickets in today’s match held at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur. It was possible due to the excellent batting of Binod Bhandari and Ishan Pandey, as well as the bowling of Abinash Bohara.

Chasing the 146-run victory target posted by Janakpur Bolts, Sudurpaschim completed it in 17.4 overs at the loss of four wickets. Ishan and Binod made a partnership of 92 runs. Ishan scored 56 runs while Binod scored 42 runs. Towards bowling, Maaz Sadaqat took two wickets, as well as Sanjay Krishnamurthi and Aditya Mahata, one wicket each.

Earlier, elected to bat first after winning the toss, Janakpur Bolts gathered 145 runs in 20 overs by losing eight wickets. Sanjay Krishnamurthi collected the highest 50 runs for Janakpur Bolts while Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton made 30 runs. Towards bowling, Sudurpaschim Royals’ Abinash Bohara took four wickets while Scott Kuggeleijn three wickets.

Janakpur Bolts has 10 points with five consecutive wins. Similarly, this is the fourth consecutive defeat of Janakpur Bolts, and they are at the bottom of the points table.