Sudurpaschim wins over Kathmandu Gorkhas, secures spot in playoffs

Kathmandu: Sudurpaschim Royals have advanced to the playoffs of the third edition of the ongoing Nepal Premier League (NPL).

In today’s first match held at the Kirtipur-based Tribhuvan University (TU) Cricket Ground, it secured a win against the Kathmandu Gorkhas by seven runs. Sudurpaschim has become the second team after the Lumbini Lions to secure its berth in the playoffs of the ongoing franchise cricket tournament.

In the match, chasing a target of 126 runs set by Sudurpaschim, the Gorkhas made 118 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs. For the team, Rashid Khan was not out with 35, Dushan Hemantha contributed 21, Sam Heazlett scored 11, and Santosh Yadav contributed 10 runs.

Towards the bowling, Sudurpaschim’s Anil Kharel took two wickets, while Scott Kuggeleijn, Fabian Allen and Hemant Dhami claimed one wicket each.

Earlier, Sudurpaschim was invited to bat first after losing the toss and scored 125 runs at the loss of six wickets in 20 overs. Captain Dipendra Singh Airee played a half-century innings for Sudurpaschim, scoring 60 runs off 55 balls, including five fours and two sixes.

This marks Captain Airee’s first half-century in the current NPL.

Additionally, against Kathmandu, Tharindu Ratnayake scored an unbeaten 26, and Aarif Sheikh contributed 16 runs. For Kathmandu, Jahandad Khan took three wickets and Santosh Yadav claimed two.

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