Sudurpashchim Royals Move Closer to NPL Playoffs with Fourth Win

Sudurpashchim Royals secured a seven-wicket victory over Lumbini Lions, registering their fourth consecutive win in the ongoing Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2nd edition.

In today’s Nepal Premier League (NPL) match held in Kathmandu, Sudurpashchim Royals defeated Lumbini Lions by seven wickets, taking a major step toward securing a playoff spot. Chasing a target of 144 runs, the Royals reached 144/3 in 18.2 overs. Opener Binod Bhandari scored an unbeaten 69 runs and was named Player of the Match, while Arif Sheikh contributed 37 runs. Bhandari and Sheikh built a crucial 99-run partnership after the team lost two early wickets for 39 runs, guiding Sudurpashchim to a comfortable victory.

Batting first at the Tribhuvan International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Lumbini Lions were bowled out for 143 runs in 19.4 overs. Captain Rohit Poudel top-scored with 35 runs, followed by Dilip Nath, who scored 31. In bowling, Abhinash Bohara and Harmit Singh took three wickets each, and Hemant Dhami claimed two for Sudurpashchim Royals.

Led by captain Dipendra Singh Airey, Sudurpashchim Royals have now won four consecutive matches and sit at the top of the points table with eight points. Lumbini Lions, under captain Rohit Kumar Poudel, have won only one out of four matches and currently occupy the sixth position with two points. With three matches remaining, Lumbini must win all to keep their playoff hopes alive, putting the team under significant pressure.