Kirtipur: 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 playoff prior to playing two matches. Sudurpaschim secured its place by defeating Janakpur Bolts by six wickets in today’s match held at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the victory was possible due to the batting performance of Binod Bhandari and Ishan Pandey, as well as the bowling efforts of Abinash Bohara. Chasing a target of 146 runs set by Janakpur Bolts, Sudurpaschim achieved it in 17.4 overs at the loss of four wickets. Ishan and Binod had a partnership of 92 runs, with Ishan scoring 56 runs and Binod contributing 42 runs.
In the bowling department, Maaz Sadaqat took two wickets, while Sanjay Krishnamurthi and Aditya Mahata claimed one wicket each. Earlier, after winning the toss and electing to bat first, Janakpur Bolts managed to put up 145 runs in 20 overs, losing eight wickets in the process. Sanjay Krishnamurthi led the scoring for Janakpur Bolts with 50 runs, followed by Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton with 30 runs.
For Sudurpaschim Royals, Abinash Bohara took four wickets, while Scott Kuggeleijn claimed three wickets. Janakpur Bolts currently has 10 points with five consecutive wins. However, this marks the fourth consecutive defeat for Janakpur Bolts, placing them at the bottom of the points table.