Sudurpaschim Royals Defeat Kathmandu Gorkhas to Secure NPL Playoff Spot

Sudurpaschim Royals confirmed their position in the Nepal Premier League playoffs by recording a seven-run victory over Kathmandu Gorkhas at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Friday, 13 November 2026. Sent to bat after losing the toss, Sudurpaschim registered 125 runs for six wickets in their allotted 20 overs. The team rebuilt their innings after experiencing an early collapse that saw four wickets fall with only eight runs scored. Captain Dipendra Singh Airee spearheaded the recovery by scoring 60 runs from 55 deliveries, an innings featuring five fours and two sixes. The knock marked his first half-century of the current tournament. Lower-order assistance came from Tharindu Ratnayake, who scored an unbeaten 26 runs from 23 balls, while Fabian Allen finished not out on two runs. In the bowling department for Kathmandu Gorkhas, Jahandad Khan picked up three wickets, while Santosh Yadav collected two. Set a target of 126 runs, Kathmandu Gorkhas completed their 20 overs at 118 runs for seven wickets. Sudurpaschim's bowling effort was led by Anil Kharel with two wickets, while Scott Kuggeleijn, Fabian Allen, and Hemant Dhami took one wicket each. Following the match outcome, Kathmandu Gorkhas remain in third place in the league table with eight points. Biratnagar Kings hold fourth place with six points, while Sudurpaschim Royals advanced to the postseason alongside Lumbini Lions.