Kathmandu Gurkhas' fate hinges on Sudurpaschim Royals' performance
KATHMANDU, DECEMER 15
Scott Kuggeleijn's five-wicket haul propels Sudurpaschim Royals to a thrilling five-run victory over Pokhara Avengers in a pulsating Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League encounter at TU Cricket Ground, Kathmandu, on Sunday.
The win strolled the Royals to the top of the standings and secured their playoff berth with a game to spare. Meanwhile, Kathmandu Gurkhas maintain an outside chance of clinching the final playoff spot.
To achieve this, they will need Karnali Yaks, currently fourth with a superior net run rate, to suffer a heavy defeat against Sudurpaschim. Both teams are tied at eight points from four wins.
If Karnali Yaks avoid a 55-run margin defeat to Sudurpaschim, they can secure the fourth spot. A victory by a similar margin or greater could see them clinch second place on the table. It's a tricky situation for the Yaks in tomorrow's encounter.
Janakpur Bolts have also secured a playoff spot, accumulating 10 points from five wins in seven matches, tied with Sudurpaschim Royals but with an inferior net run rate.
Meanwhile, Kushal Malla's Chitwan Rhinos sit third on the table with eight points, boasting a superior run rate over both Karnali Yaks and Kathmandu Gurkhas.
Earlier, Avengers won the toss and opted to field, restricting the Royals to 153/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Aarif Sheikh anchored the innings with a composed 42 off 38 balls, including two boundaries and a six.
Brandon McMullen and Dipendra Singh Airee contributed 23 and 20 runs, respectively. Pokhara skipper Kushal Bhurtel was the standout bowler with two wickets, while Raymon Reifer, Michael Leask, and Sagar Dhakal each chipped in with a wicket.
In response, the Avengers began strongly, with openers putting up a 37-run stand. Andries Gous played a brisk knock of 36 off 21 balls, smashing four boundaries and two sixes before being dismissed at long-on by Aarif Sheikh off Zaib bowling.
Kushal Bhurtel's poor run continued as he departed for a duck, edging Scott Kuggeleijn to Brandon McMullen in the slips.
Raymon Reifer and Kiran Thagunna provided a glimmer of hope for the Avengers, with Reifer scoring 33 off 28 balls, including three fours and a six, before falling at midwicket.
With the Avengers needing 15 runs off the last 11 balls and three wickets in hand, Kiran Thagunna, who had steadied the innings with 32 off 28 balls, was bowled by the fiery Kuggeleijn in the final over.
From there, the Royals seized control. Kuggeleijn completed his five-wicket haul by dismissing Bipin Khatri, who mistimed a shot to long-on, sealing a dramatic victory for Sudurpaschim.
Kuggeleijn's exceptional figures of 3.4-1-18-5 earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match award. Harmeet Singh contributed with three crucial wickets, while Saif Zaib added one to the Royals' tally.
In a post-match press conference, Kuggeleijn expressed, "I'm pleased with the victory; it always feels great to contribute to the team's success. Every match is crucial for us, and we are focusing on one game at a time, not looking too far ahead." He also highlighted the positive atmosphere within the team camp and praised his captain, stating, "DP is an exceptional captain and a highly talented player."
In tomorrow's early encounter, Sudurpaschim Royals will face Karnali Yaks in the final group-stage fixture of the tournament.
Nepal Premier League points table
