Sudurpaschim Royals secured a spot in the playoffs of the ongoing Nepal Premier League (NPL) by defeating Pokhara Avengers by five runs at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Sunday, December 15.
With this victory, Sudurpaschim now leads the table with 10 points from six matches, surpassing Janakpur Bolts, who also have 10 points but from seven matches, based on run rate.
As Monday's match between Sudurpaschim Royals and Karnali Yaks will not push Chitwan Rhinos below the fourth position, the Rhinos have also secured a playoff spot. They currently sit third with eight points from seven matches.
The match, however, remains crucial for the Yaks, who are in fourth place with eight points from six matches. A win would guarantee them the last remaining playoff spot, but if they lose, their fate will depend on the run rate.
The Kathmandu Gurkhas, who won a low-scoring thriller earlier in the day against the Biratnagar Kings, are in fifth place with eight points from seven matches. They will hope for a large-margin defeat for the Yaks on Monday, which could allow them to leapfrog into the playoffs based on run rate.
Chasing 154 runs, Pokhara was bowled out for 148 runs in 19.4 overs, despite solid contributions from Andries Gous (36 off 21), Raymon Reifer (33 off 28), and Kiran Thagunna (32 off 28).
Sudurpaschim's Scott Kuggeleijn led the charge with a five-wicket haul, which proved pivotal in their victory, especially as Pokhara lost their last four wickets for just two runs. Harmeet Singh took three wickets, and Saif Zaib claimed one.
Earlier, after losing the toss and being asked to bat, the Royals posted 153/7 in 20 overs. Aarif Sheikh top-scored with an unbeaten 42 off 38 balls, supported by Brandon McMullen (23 off 16) and Dipendra Singh Airee (20 off 16).
Pokhara’s bowlers, including captain Kushal Bhurtel (2 wickets), Raymon Reifer, Sagar Dhakal, and Michael Leask (1 wicket each), fought hard but couldn’t prevent the Royals from setting a challenging total.
Kuggeleijn was named Player of the Match for his match-winning bowling performance.
