Fireworks expected as Royals, Kings lock horns in crucial NPL Qualifier in bid for direct final spot
Dipendra Singh Airee and Sandeep Lamichhane
KATHMANDU: The league stage of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) second season has concluded, paving the way for the playoffs beginning Tuesday. The first Qualifier will see the top two Sudurpaschim Royals and Biratnagar Kings clash for a direct berth in the final.
The match will start at 4 PM Tuesday at the TU International Cricket Ground. The winner will secure a straight entry into the final, while the losing side will get a second chance against the winner of the Eliminator match between Kathmandu Gorkhas and Lumbini Lions.
Both teams have relied heavily on their star performers throughout the league stage, and their form is expected to be decisive in the high-pressure Qualifier.
Veteran batter Binod Bhandari has emerged as the team’s most consistent performer for the Royals. He ranks among the tournament’s top five run scorers with 201 runs from seven matches, averaging 33.50, including an unbeaten 69. He has struck 20 fours and 6 sixes at a strike rate of 108.64.
Aarif Sheikh has contributed 160 runs, while all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee has added 146 runs. Explosive opener Chris Lynn has strengthened the top order with 143 runs but will miss the qualifier.
In bowling, Abinash Bohara leads the attack with a standout performance, 14 wickets in seven matches at an average of 12.28 and an economy of 7.81. His 4-for-30 is one of the tournament’s best spells. Harmeet Singh (10 wickets) and Scott Kuggeleijn (8 wickets) have provided crucial support.
For the Kings, captain Sandeep Lamichhane is the leading wicket-taker of the tournament so far, claiming 15 wickets in seven matches at a remarkable average of 9.53 and an economy of 5.10. His 4-for-11 remains his best of the season. Marchant de Lange (8 wickets) and Shubham Ranjane (5 wickets) have bolstered the attack.
In batting, Basir Ahmed has taken responsibility at the top, scoring 176 runs at an average of 29.33 and a strike rate of 127.53, with an unbeaten 62 as his highest. Lokesh Bam has scored 165 runs, including a top score of 72.
International veteran Martin Guptill has added 121 runs in four matches, showcasing his class, while Faf du Plessis announced himself in the NPL with a blistering half-century in the previous game against the Royals.
With both sides stacked with in-form performers, the Qualifier is expected to be a tense, high-pressure contest. The consistency, temperament and match-changing moments delivered by these key players will determine which team secures the first ticket to the NPL final.
