Low targets, so what?

The Nepal Premier League (NPL) witnessed a low-scoring double-header on Wednesday at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, with Sudurpaschim Royals crushing Janakpur Bolts by 72 runs in the first match and Kathmandu Gurkhas eliminating Lumbini Lions with an 18-run victory in the second. Lumbini became the first team to exit the playoff race after their disappointing campaign.

Defending a modest target of 124, Sudurpaschim Royals delivered a stellar bowling performance, dismissing Janakpur for just 51 runs in 12.1 overs. Ishan Pandey, the Player of the Match, shone with an all-around performance, scoring 17 runs off 14 balls and picking up 2/11 with the ball.

Janakpur, unbeaten in their previous four matches, collapsed dramatically. Their top six batters failed to reach double digits, leaving them reeling at 28/5 within the first four overs. The middle and lower order could only add 23 more runs, succumbing to Sudurpaschim’s clinical bowling attack.

“We knew that scoring over 110 would put us 60–70 percent ahead. Our spinners executed the plan perfectly on this track,” said Pandey post-match. He credited the strategy of opening with spin against international players and capitalizing on the spin-friendly conditions.

Sudurpaschim’s captain, Dipendra Singh Airee, also contributed with figures of 2/27, while Harmeet Singh was exceptional, claiming 2/2 in four overs, including two maidens.

Reflecting on their previous loss to Chitwan Tigers, Pandey remarked that the victory against Janakpur was essential for boosting team morale. On a lighter note, Pandey expressed excitement about the Cricket Association of Nepal’s announcement of cricket legend Brian Lara’s upcoming visit. “As a left-handed batsman, Lara was my idol. Meeting him will be a dream come true,” he said.

The victory propelled Sudurpaschim Royals to the top of the league standings, while Janakpur Bolts dropped to second place.

In the second match, Kathmandu Gurkhas defended a modest 104-run target, securing their second win in four matches. The loss marked the end of Lumbini Lions’ playoff race, with five defeats in six games.

Kathmandu struggled with the bat, managing just 103 runs in 19.2 overs. Bhim Sharki top-scored with 31 off 40 balls, and Dan Douthwaite added 21. Lumbini’s Saad Bin Zafar impressed with the ball, taking 3/21.

However, Lumbini’s batting woes continued as they failed to chase the low target, getting bowled out for 85 runs in 19.2 overs. Sundeep Jora was the lone bright spot with a 26-run knock. Kathmandu’s captain Karan KC delivered a match-winning spell of 4/16 and was ably supported by Dipesh Kandel, who took 3/6 in four overs.

The Lumbini Lions began their NPL journey with promise, scoring 191 runs in their opening match against Biratnagar Kings. However, poor bowling allowed Biratnagar to chase the target in a thrilling last-over finish.

In their second match, Lumbini posted 170 runs against Pokhara Avengers, but the opening pair of Dinesh Kharel and Andries Gous dominated, completing the chase without losing a wicket.

The third match saw another batting collapse as Lumbini managed only 142 runs in response to Sudurpaschim Royals’ 187. Despite Bibek Yadav’s valiant unbeaten 77, the team fell short.

A narrow loss in the fourth match against Janakpur Bolts further dented their campaign. Despite restricting Janakpur to 136, Lumbini fell one run short of the target.

Their only victory came in the fifth match against Chitwan Tigers, where captain Rohit Paudel’s all-round brilliance (80 runs and four wickets) led them to a 33-run win.

Paudel was a standout performer, scoring 269 runs and taking seven wickets in six matches. Reflecting on the team’s performance, he said, “We could not bowl well in the opening matches, and our batting let us down in the final games.”

The NPL is set for an action-packed double-header on Thursday too. The day will begin with the 20th match of the tournament, where the Pokhara Avengers will face the Biratnagar Kings at 9:00 am. Later, at 1:00 pm, the Janakpur Bolts will take on the Kathmandu Gurkhas in the 21st match.