Sudurpaschim Royals edged past Pokhara Avengers by five runs on Sunday at TU International Cricket Ground, confirming their spot in the first qualifier of the Nepal Premier League, scheduled for Wednesday. The Royals victory also sets up an exciting conclusion to the league stage, with the opponent for the qualifier to be decided after Monday’s final match.
Sudurpaschim’s Batting Efforts
After being invited to bat first, Sudurpaschim Royals posted a competitive total of 154, which proved to be enough for a narrow win. The Royals got off to a solid start, reaching 50 runs by the end of the powerplay, despite losing Saif Zaib early for 9 runs. Binod Bhandari followed soon after for 14 runs, leaving the Royals with two early wickets down.
The middle order continued to struggle as wickets fell at regular intervals, halting any momentum for a strong partnership. Aarif Sheikh top-scored with a valuable 42 off 38 balls, including two boundaries and a six. Contributions came from Brendon McMullen (23) and Dipendra Singh Airee (20), but the innings lost some steam. A unique moment in the match occurred when Ishan Pandey became the first batter in NPL history to be retired out.
Pokhara Avengers captain Kushal Bhurtel was the pick of their bowlers, taking 2/27 from four overs. Ramon Reifer, Sagar Dhakal, and Michel Leask also claimed a wicket each. Pokhara Avengers iconic player, Sudip Aryal, had a decent debut with two overs bowled, conceding 19 runs. He trapped Ishan Pandey in his second over before he was retired out, but the catch was dropped by Michael Leask.
Pokhara Avengers Response
In reply, Pokhara Avengers started strongly, with their score at 37 after the first three overs. Scott Kuggeleijn was brought in and immediately made an impact, removing Dinesh Kharel (15) and Kushal Bhurtel (Duck) in his first over, without conceding a run. Sudurpaschim’s tight bowling kept the Avengers struggling after first six overs.
A late partnership between Kiran Thagunna and Raymon Reifer, worth 50 runs, offered a glimmer of hope, but it wasn’t enough to get Pokhara over the line. Reifer contributed 33 runs off 28 balls, while Thagunna made 32 off 28, including three boundaries and a six.
Kuggeleijn’s Match-Winning Performance
The match was sealed by a brilliant catch by Naresh Budayair at deep square leg in the 18th over. In the final over, with eight runs required, Kuggeleijn proved to be the match-winner, dismissing Thagunna, Sagar Dhakal, and Bipin Khatri to complete his fifer and secure the victory for Sudurpaschim.
Kuggeleijn was named Player of the Match for his exceptional 5-wicket haul, returning figures of 3.4-1-18-5. Harmeet Singh supported him well, taking 3/26, while Saif Zaib also added a wicket to his tally.
Sudurpaschim Confirm First Qualifier Spot
With this victory, Sudurpaschim Royals are guaranteed a spot in the first qualifier, while Pokhara Avengers ended their disappointing campaign with two wins and five defeats.
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