KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 19

Sudur Paschim Royals secured a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Janakpur Bolts in the qualifiers, advancing to the Nepal Premier League final at the TU Cricket Stadium in Kathmandu on Wednesday.

Janakpur Bolts won the toss and opted to bat first, setting a total of 139/9 in their allotted 20 overs. With a spot in the final at stake, Sudur Paschim Royals comfortably chased down the target, losing just two wickets and achieving victory with nine balls to spare.

With this victory, Sudur Paschim Royals have advanced to the inaugural NPL final, set to take place at the same stadium on Saturday.

Without their regular skipper Anil Sah, Janakpur Bolts opened the innings with Lahiru Milantha and stand-in captain Aasif Sheikh, who managed to put together a modest 19-run opening partnership. Both openers departed cheaply, leaving Shubh Kansakar to steady the innings. Kansakar contributed a composed 26 runs, including four boundaries, but was run out, leaving his team in trouble at 59/3 in the ninth over.

The Bolts' batters managed to get starts, but none could capitalize and build a substantial score, except for James Neesham.

Neesham provided a much-needed boost to the lower order with a blistering 45 off 23 balls, featuring three fours and three sixes. He particularly took the attack to his compatriot Scott Kuggeleijn in the penultimate over, showcasing his free-flowing scoring ability.

However, Neesham's departure saw the runs dry up for the Bolts, who could only add nine more runs to their total, finishing at 139 in their allotted 20 overs.

Dipendra Singh Airee emerged as the standout bowler for Sudur Paschim Royals, delivering an impressive spell of 4-0-29-3. Saif Zaib contributed with two crucial wickets, while Scott Kuggeleijn and Abinash Bohara each chipped in with a wicket to round off a solid bowling performance.

In reply, Sudur Paschim Royals began their chase with a blazing start as the openers forged a 56-run partnership before Saif Zaib was caught by James Neesham off Kishore Mahato's bowling in the eighth over.

Saif Zaib contributed a whirlwind 32 off 21 balls, laced with three boundaries and two sixes. Binod Bhandari, later adjudged Player of the Match for his match-winning knock, anchored the innings with an unbeaten 58 off 55 deliveries, which included three boundaries and three sixes, guiding his team to victory and securing their place in the final.

Brandon McMullen chipped in with a valuable 25 runs off 19 balls, striking one four and a six, while skipper Dipendra Singh Airee played a composed knock of 20 runs in partnership with Bhandari to see the team through.

Janakpur Bolts had little to celebrate on the bowling front, with only Lalit Rajbanshi and Kishore Mahato managing a wicket each. The rest of the bowling attack appeared lackluster in the decisive encounter.

In tomorrow's second qualifier, Karnali Yaks will face Janakpur Bolts. The winner of this match will meet Sudur Paschim Royals in the final on Saturday for the coveted trophy and cash prize.