Sudurpaschim Royals has advanced into the final by defeating Janakpur Bolts by 8 wickets in the first qualifier of the ongoing Nepal Premier League (NPL).
Chasing the 140-run target set by Janakpur, Surdurpachim reached it in 18.3 overs losing 2 wickets. With the loss to Sudurpaschim, Janakpur now has to play with Karnali Yaks in the second qualifier scheduled for Thursday.
To clinch the win over the opponent, Sudurpachim's Binod Bhandari topped the score with 52 runs followed by Saif Zaib with 32 runs while Brandon McMullen scored 25 runs. Captain Dipendra Singh Airee contributed 20 runs and remained not out. Lalit Rajbanshi and Kishore Mahato grabbed 1 wicket each for Janakpur.
Earlier, electing to bat first after winning the toss, Janakpur Bolts had notched up 139 runs losing 9 wickets in the allotted 20 overs.
James Neesham topped the score with 45 runs including 3 fours and 3 sixes off 23 balls followed by Shubh Kansakar with 26 runs while Lahiru Milantha and Harsh Thaker grabbed 12 runs each. Similarly, captain Aasif Sheikh and Arniko Yadav scored 11 runs each.
On the bowling side, Dipendra Singh Airee took the highest 3 wickets followed by Saif Zaib while Scott Kuggeleijn and Abinash Bohara grabbed 1 wicket each for Sudurpaschim.
With the win, Sudurpaschim secured a post in final of the ongoing NPL. Janakpur, on the other hand, will play a match against Karnali in the second qualifier tomorrow.
Earlier, in the eliminator, Kanali Yaks defeated Chitwan Rhinos by 21 runs to advance into the qualifier.
The second qualifier is set to be held at 12:15 pm on Thursday.
Binod Bhandari is declared the Player of the Match.
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