Sudurpashim Royals reach play off in NPL

Kathmandu: Sudurpaschim Royals have become 2nd team to reach the playoff of Nepal Premier League (NPL).

Sudurpaschim Royals defeated Pokhara Avengers by 5 runs at T.U. International Cricket Ground on Sunday. With the victory, Sudurpaschim Royals became the second team to enter the playoff.

Pokhara Avengers failed to chase a target of 154 runs. The team was packed in 148 runs in 19.4 overs. Andries Gous scored 36 runs, Kiran Thagunna contributed 32 and Raymon Reifer 33 runs for Pokhara Avengers.

Scott Kuggeleijn took 5 wickets for Sudurpaschim Royals, Harmeet Singh took 3 wickets and Saif Zaib took 1 wicket for the team.

In the first innings, Sudurpaschim Royals scored 153 runs in 20 overs with a loss of 7 wickets.

Aarif Sheikh was unbeaten at 42 runs. Brandon McMullen scored 23, and Captain Dipendra Singh Airee contributed 20 runs for Sudurpaschi Royals.

Captain Kushal Burtel took 2 wickets for Pokhara Avengers, Raymon Reifer, Sagar Dhakal and, Michael Leask took 1 wicket each for the team.

Sudurpaschim advanced to the top of the points table and entered the playoff.  Also, Chitwan Rhinos have become the third team to enter the playoff as no upcoming match result will affect their position in the table.

Now, Karnali Yaks and Sudurpaschim Royals will compete on Monday.