Sudurpaschim Royals strengthened their bid for the Nepal Premier League playoffs with a 39-run victory over Karnali Yaks at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Friday.
The two-time runners-up moved up to second in the standings with six points, while Karnali remained on four. The win was Sudurpaschim’s third consecutive victory over Karnali.
Chasing a target of 177, Karnali struggled to keep pace with the required run rate and finished on 137 for seven in their 20 overs.
South African batter David Miller remained unbeaten on 93 off 55 balls, hitting five fours and seven sixes, but his innings was not enough to take Karnali over the line.
Karnali’s innings got off to a poor start when opener Ariful Islam was dismissed for a duck, caught by Anil Kharel in an outstanding effort. His opening partner, Mark Watt, managed just four runs.
Wicketkeeper Deepak Dumre also fell to Kharel, scoring four off 18 balls, while Pawan Sarraf was dismissed for five.
Hussain Talat was trapped lbw by Dipendra Singh Airee for one. Captain Sompal Kami made eight, while Gulshan Jha scored three.
Scott Kuggeleijn took two wickets for Sudurpaschim.
Earlier, Sudurpaschim posted 176 for six after being sent in to bat.
Tharindu Rathnayake, unbeaten on 22, and Scott Kuggeleijn, on 13, helped the Royals finish their innings after a strong opening partnership between Binod Bhandari and Saif Zaib.
Bhandari was run out for 27 off 22 balls, including two fours and two sixes. Zaib was bowled by Surya Tamang for 35 off 24 deliveries, having hit four fours and a six.
The openers had added 68 runs before their dismissals slowed Sudurpaschim’s scoring.
Dipendra Singh Airee was stumped by Karnali wicketkeeper Deepak Dumre for 10 when the score reached 95.
Brendon McMullen scored 24 off 16 balls before being dismissed by Nandan Yadav. Ishan Pandey made 23 before being caught off Mark Watt, with Miller taking the catch.
Aarif Sheikh contributed 11 off 14 balls.
Watt was Karnali’s most successful bowler, taking two wickets for 27 runs.
