Sudurpaschim channels CSK spirit

Sudurpaschim Royals became the first finalists of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), defeating Janakpur Bolts by eight wickets with nine balls to spare in Qualifier 1. Janakpur will now face Karnali Yaks in Qualifier 2 on Thursday. The Yaks earned their spot by defeating Chitwan Rhinos by 21 runs in the Eliminator. Sudurpaschim will meet the winner of Qualifier 2 in the final, scheduled for Saturday.

The Royals, who topped the league table, have drawn comparisons to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the most successful team in the Indian Premier League (IPL), as both teams sport similar yellow kits. Binod Bhandari, wearing jersey number 7 and donning the wicket keeping gloves, has been likened to India’s legendary captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who has led CSK to five IPL titles. Bhandari, named Player of the Match in Qualifier 1, has even adopted a hairstyle reminiscent of Dhoni’s iconic look.

Chasing a target of 140, the Royals delivered a clinical performance, reaching 141/2 in just 18.3 overs. Bhandari anchored the chase with a composed 58* off 55 balls, supported by opener Saif Zaib, who scored a brisk 32, and captain Dipendra Singh Airee, who contributed an unbeaten 20.

Earlier, Janakpur Bolts opted to bat first but struggled to build momentum, managing 139/9 in their 20 overs. Jimmy Neesham was the standout performer for Janakpur, smashing an explosive 45 off 23 balls, but the rest of the batting lineup faltered. Sudurpaschim’s bowling attack, led by Airee (3/29) and Zaib (2/20), effectively restricted Janakpur despite some resistance from Neesham.

Janakpur skipper Anil Sah, who sustained a wrist injury, was ruled out of the match, dealing a significant blow to the Bolts. Aasif Sheikh captained the team in Sah’s absence.

This defeat marked Janakpur’s second loss to Sudurpaschim in the tournament. However, they still have a chance to reach the final by winning Qualifier 2, where they could face the Royals again for a shot at redemption.

Sudurpaschim’s chase was methodical, with Zaib providing a quick start and Bhandari ensuring stability until the end, striking three boundaries and three sixes to seal the victory in style.

Karnali eliminates Chitwan

In the first match on Wednesday, Karnali Yaks secured a 21-run victory over Chitwan Rhinos in the Eliminator. Chadwick Walton’s explosive unbeaten 46 off 23 balls earned him the Player of the Match award, propelling Karnali to a competitive total of 175/6. Jaykishan Kolsawala (53 off 39) and William Bosisto (52 off 39) also contributed crucial half-centuries, while Sohail Tanvir’s 2/24 stood out in an otherwise expensive bowling performance for Chitwan.

Chasing 176, Chitwan Rhinos fell short at 154/9 despite Ravi Bopara’s valiant 53 off 34 balls. Karnali’s bowlers, led by Zeeshan Maqsood (3/26) and Sompal Kami (2/22), ensured their team stayed ahead in a high-pressure encounter.

Karnali captain Sompal Kami expressed optimism about his team’s prospects. “I envisioned reaching the final from the start, but there were fears of disqualification too. It’s the bowlers who brought us this far,” Kami said. He also credited the decision to bring in India’s Kolsawala after the league stage. “We weren’t getting the starts we needed, so we brought in Kolsawala, who played his role brilliantly.”

Chitwan coach Umesh Patwal praised the NPL’s inaugural season for its impact on Nepali cricket. “This is just the beginning. With Star Sports broadcasting the tournament, the attention it has received is phenomenal. A tournament like this will change cricket in Nepal. If the exposure continues, Nepal could become a Test nation,” Patwal said.

Karnali will face Janakpur in Qualifier 2, with a chance to advance to the final. However, Janakpur holds the psychological advantage, having comfortably defeated Karnali during the league stage, winning by eight wickets with 29 balls to spare. The Yaks, buoyed by their recent performance, will look to capitalize on Janakpur’s lack of form to book their place in the final.