Superb Sudurpaschim near to playoffs with fourth win in a row

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted Nov 27, 2025

Sudurpaschim Royals have continued their dominant run in the second edition of the Nepal Premier League, securing their fourth consecutive victory and moving to the brink of a playoff qualification.

The team, which narrowly missed the title in the previous edition after losing only the final, has set its sights firmly on becoming champions this season.

Their performance so far reflects that determination, as they remain unbeaten with eight points from four matches and currently sit at the top of the standings. With three matches still to be played in the league stage, a single win will confirm their playoff berth, though some favorable results elsewhere could even send them through without another victory.

On Thursday, Sudurpaschim defeated Lumbini Lions, adding another step toward the playoffs. Earlier in the season, they had beaten Pokhara Avengers, Kathmandu Gorkhas, and Karnali Yaks. Their remaining fixtures are against Janakpur Bolts, Chitwan Rhinos, and Biratnagar Kings.

Sudurpaschim showcased both discipline and confidence. After Lumbini reached 114–2 in 14 overs, their innings collapsed to 143 all out. Harmeet Singh and Avinash Bohara claimed three wickets each, while Hemant Dhami and Scott Kuggeleijn added crucial breakthroughs.

Sudurpaschim lost Australian openers Josh Brown and Chris Lynn early but recovered strongly through a 99-run partnership between Binod Bhandari and Aarif Sheikh. Arif made 39, while Binod anchored the chase with an unbeaten 69 and was named Player of the Match.

Lumbini, meanwhile, slumped to their third straight defeat despite experimenting with a new batting order. Captain Rohit Paudel acknowledged that the team started well but failed to finish strongly, adding that both foreign and domestic players needed to step up if the team were to fight back in the league.

With three games left, Lumbini now must win all their remaining fixtures to stay alive. At the end of the matchday, Sudurpaschim led the table with eight points, followed by Biratnagar Kings with six and Chitwan Rhinos with four.

Kathmandu Gorkhas, Karnali Yaks, Pokhara Avengers, and Lumbini Lions each hold two points, while Janakpur remain at the bottom without a point from three games.