Sudurpaschim Royals maintain perfect record, defeat Kathmandu Gorkhas in NPL clash

KIRTIPUR, KATHMANDU —

The Sudurpaschim Royals solidified their dominance in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) Season 3, securing a hard-fought 7-run victory over the Kathmandu Gorkhas on Friday night at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground. The win extends the Royals’ impressive run and keeps them firmly at the top of the tournament standings.

A Challenging Total Set by the Royals

The match, which began late in the evening under the Kirtipur lights, saw the Kathmandu Gorkhas win the toss and elect to bowl first on a pitch that offered both pace and bounce. The decision initially looked promising for the Gorkhas, but the Sudurpaschim Royals’ batting depth proved to be the difference-maker.

Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, the Royals managed to post a highly competitive total of 125/6 in their allotted 20 overs.

Captain Dipendra Singh Airee led from the front with a spectacular Player of the Match performance. Anchoring the innings under immense pressure, Airee smashed a crucial 60 runs off 55 deliveries, striking at a critical moment when his team needed stability. He found valuable support in the lower order from Tharindu Ratnayake, who chipped in with a vital, unbeaten 26 off 23 balls to push the Royals to a defendable score.

The Kathmandu Gorkhas’ bowling attack fought valiantly. Jahandad Khan was the standout performer, delivering a brilliant spell to claim 3 wickets for just 22 runs in his four overs, keeping the Royals’ scoring rate somewhat in check.

Gorkhas Fall Short in a Tense Chase

Chasing 126 for victory, the Kathmandu Gorkhas found themselves struggling against a highly disciplined Royals bowling attack. The pace and bounce of the Kirtipur pitch heavily favored the bowlers, and Sudurpaschim took full advantage.

The Gorkhas’ top order failed to build significant partnerships, and despite a valiant effort from Rashid Khan, who scored a gritty 27 off 24 balls, the mounting asking rate proved too much. Entering the final over, Kathmandu required 16 runs to win. However, Sudurpaschim’s bowlers held their nerve, restricting the Gorkhas to 110/7 in 19 overs (before the final over concluded the match at 118/7), sealing a thrilling 7-run victory.

The result is a significant boost for the Sudurpaschim Royals, cementing their status as the team to beat in this year’s NPL. For the Kathmandu Gorkhas, the defeat marks a missed opportunity to climb the table, highlighting the need for greater consistency in their batting lineup.