Sudurpaschim Royals Defeat Janakpur Bolts by 27 Runs to Secure NPL Play-off Place

KIRTIPUR, November 10 — Sudurpaschim Royals booked their place in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2026 playoffs after defending a low total to defeat Janakpur Bolts by 27 runs in the 21st match of the tournament at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground.

Batting first after winning the toss, Sudurpaschim managed 120 runs for the loss of nine wickets in their 20 overs. Janakpur, who needed 121 for victory, struggled throughout the chase and were bowled out for 93 in 19.5 overs. The result strengthened Sudurpaschim’s position in the race for the top four and left Janakpur needing a strong response in their remaining league fixtures.

Janakpur’s bowlers restrict the Royals

Sudurpaschim found it difficult to build a sustained partnership after choosing to bat. Janakpur’s attack kept taking wickets and prevented the Royals from accelerating freely in the middle overs. Harmeet Singh was particularly effective, finishing with four wickets for 17 runs and ensuring that Sudurpaschim could not turn their start into a large total.

Brandon McMullen top-scored for Sudurpaschim with 33 from 23 deliveries, while Tharindu Rathnayake added 27 from 28 balls. Their contributions helped the Royals reach 120, a total that appeared within Janakpur’s reach but required a disciplined chase on a surface where wickets had been falling regularly.

Kuggeleijn leads the defence

Janakpur’s reply never gathered the momentum required. Scott Kuggeleijn led the Sudurpaschim bowling effort with three wickets, applying pressure and helping his side remove the opposition before the end of the innings. Trit Raj Das made 21, the highest score for Janakpur, but the rest of the batting line-up could not establish the partnerships needed to keep the chase alive.

The Bolts were eventually dismissed for 93 in 19.5 overs, giving Sudurpaschim a 27-run victory. The Royals’ ability to defend 120 demonstrated the value of taking wickets at regular intervals and keeping the required rate under control, even when the first-innings score is modest.

Play-off race takes shape

The win secured Sudurpaschim Royals a place in the top-four playoff positions, while Janakpur’s defeat dealt a blow to their qualification hopes. With the league stage approaching its conclusion, every remaining match carries added significance for teams still competing for a place in the knockout round.

Sudurpaschim’s performance will give the side confidence, particularly because the bowlers defended a total that offered little margin for error. Janakpur, meanwhile, will need to address its batting consistency and find a way to convert starts into partnerships if it is to remain in contention.

The NPL 2026 league stage continues at Kirtipur, with the top four teams progressing to the playoffs. The tournament final is scheduled for 21 November.

Sources: NPL match report; Match scorecard; NPL fixtures and results.