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Kathmandu, Mangsir 21 — Four teams remain in contention for the league championship of the second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) as the playoff lineup is now confirmed.

With 12 points, Sudurpaschim Royals topped the league table and will face second-placed Biratnagar Kings (10 points) in the first qualifier.

Although Kathmandu Gorkhas also finished with 10 points, they placed behind Biratnagar on the basis of net run rate and will play the Eliminator against Lumbini Lions, who secured playoff qualification with 8 points from seven matches.

All four teams are in the race to become new champions. Last season’s winners, Janakpur Bolts, failed to reach the playoffs this year. Janakpur had lifted the inaugural NPL title by defeating Sudurpaschim in the final.

Sudurpaschim Royals

Led by Dipendra Singh Airee, last season’s runners-up Sudurpaschim Royals are strong title contenders this year. They won six of their seven league matches — the highest among all teams — before losing their final match to Biratnagar.

Sudurpaschim showcased collective strength, producing different match winners in each victory:

• Match 1 vs Kathmandu: A foreign all-rounder was Player of the Match for scoring 53 and taking 2 wickets.

• Match 2 vs Pokhara Avengers: Josh Brown scored 68, earning Player of the Match.

• Match 3 vs Karnali Yaks: Captain Airee starred with 39 runs and 4 wickets.

• Match 4 vs Lumbini Lions: Binod Bhandari top-scored with an unbeaten 69 and took 3 catches behind the stumps.

• Match 5 vs Janakpur Bolts: Ishan Pandey struck 59 as Sudurpaschim won by 6 wickets.

• Match 6 vs Chitwan Rhinos: Chris Lynn smashed 75, earning Player of the Match.

Despite losing their last group match against Biratnagar, Sudurpaschim coach Jagat Tamatta said they are confident of winning the title this time.
“We were runners-up last year. Our target this year is the title. Every player is contributing, and we are not dependent on any single individual,” he said.

Biratnagar Kings

Under the leadership of Sandeep Lamichhane, Biratnagar Kings won five league matches and comfortably secured their spot in the first qualifier. After missing out on the playoffs last year, Biratnagar showed significant improvement this season.

Their performance highlights:

• Match 1 vs Pokhara: Lokesh Bam scored 72, winning Player of the Match.

• Match 2 vs Kathmandu: Marchant de Lange took 2 key wickets to secure the win.

• Match 3 vs Janakpur: Captain Lamichhane bagged 4 wickets and was Player of the Match.

• Match 5 vs Karnali: Basir Ahmad smashed 62 and won Player of the Match.

• Match 7 vs Sudurpaschim: Faf du Plessis starred in a 6-wicket victory.

Captain Lamichhane said Biratnagar’s strength lies in their depth.
“We are not dependent on any one player. Different match-winners have emerged in different games, which boosts our confidence,” he said.

Kathmandu Gorkhas

After missing the playoffs last season due to net run rate, Kathmandu Gorkhas, led by Karan KC, have delivered a strong performance this year, winning five matches.

Kathmandu's journey:

• Started with a 5-wicket win against Janakpur.

• Lost the next two matches to Sudurpaschim and Biratnagar.

• Bounced back with four consecutive victories against Lumbini, Chitwan, Karnali, and Pokhara.

Captain KC said their focus now is on winning the title.
“We have worked on our weaknesses from the league stage. Now the aim is to perform well in playoffs and become champions,” he stated.

Lumbini Lions

Under Captain Rohit Paudel, Lumbini Lions reached the playoffs with four wins. They started strong with a win over Chitwan but then suffered three straight defeats to Karnali, Kathmandu, and Sudurpaschim.

However, Lumbini bounced back with three consecutive wins:

• Beat Pokhara by 3 wickets.

• Defeated Biratnagar by 5 wickets.

• Overcame Janakpur by 4 wickets in their final league match.

Captain Paudel expressed strong confidence:
“Among the four teams, I see Lumbini as the strongest. We are confident of winning the title. We fear no opponent,” he said.

Playoff Schedule

• Qualifier 1: Sudurpaschim Royals vs Biratnagar Kings
  Mangsir 23, 4:00 PM

• Eliminator: Kathmandu Gorkhas vs Lumbini Lions
  Mangsir 24, 4:00 PM

• Qualifier 2: Loser of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Eliminator
  Mangsir 25, 4:00 PM

• Final:
  Mangsir 27, 3:30 PM

Tournament Overview

Organized by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), the tournament began on Mangsir 1 at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
Eight teams are participating:

Sudurpaschim Royals, Biratnagar Kings, Kathmandu Gorkhas, Lumbini Lions, Pokhara Avengers, Chitwan Rhinos, Karnali Yaks, and Janakpur Bolts.