Sudurpaschim Royals secured a crucial 27 run victory over Janakpur Bolts in the NPL 2026 on Tuesday, with a superb bowling performance deciding the low scoring match at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
Chasing 121, Janakpur were dismissed for 93 in 19.5 overs, suffering their fourth defeat in six matches.
The result was Sudurpaschim’s fourth win from six games. Their eight points put them second in the standings.
They remain behind table leaders Kathmandu Gorkhas, who have the same number of points but a better net run-rate.
Janakpur’s Batting Collapse
Janakpur’s chase faltered early, as Sudurpaschim’s disciplined attack prevented the batters from building partnerships.
Trit Raj Das top-scored for Janakpur with 21, while New Zealand’s Jimmy Neesham contributed 20. Aditya Mahata made 10, and Rahul Yadav added 11 towards the end.
None of the other batters reached double figures.
Janakpur’s best stand was a 20-run partnership between Neesham and Lalit Rajbanshi for the ninth wicket.
Scott Kuggeleijn led the Sudurpaschim bowlers with three wickets. Hemant Dhami, Tharindu Ratnayake, captain Dipendra Singh Airee and Ishan Pandey claimed one wicket each.
Janakpur’s lower order showed some resistance, but the team still finished 27 runs short.
Brandon McMullen Leads Sudurpaschim’s Batting
After winning the toss, Sudurpaschim Royals chose to bat and posted 120 for nine in their 20 overs.
Brandon McMullen was their leading scorer, making 33 from 23 deliveries, including two fours and two sixes.
Tharindu Ratnayake provided an important late contribution, remaining unbeaten on 27 from 28 balls with one four and two sixes.
Aarif Sheikh scored 11, while openers Saif Zaib and Binod Bhandari each made 10.
Sudurpaschim put on 22 for the first wicket, but Janakpur’s bowlers kept taking wickets and denied them any substantial partnerships.
Harmeet Singh Takes Four Wickets
Janakpur captain Harmeet Singh delivered an outstanding spell with the ball.
He finished as the match’s most successful bowler, taking four wickets for 17 runs in four overs.
Ireland’s Harry Tector also impressed on his NPL debut, conceding only nine runs in four overs and taking one wicket.
Rahul Yadav, Aditya Mahata and Abhishek Tiwari also picked up a wicket each.
Despite their impressive bowling effort, Janakpur could not turn it into a victory.
Sudurpaschim Strengthen Their Playoff Position
The win has improved Sudurpaschim Royals’ position in the NPL standings.
With four victories and eight points from six matches, they sit in second place. Their next opponent will be Kathmandu Gorkhas.
Janakpur Bolts, meanwhile, have taken another setback, losing for the fourth time in six matches. After the initial NPL season, they have four points and sit fifth following four defeats.
Their playoff prospects are now under pressure.
Janakpur will meet Chitwan Rhinos in their final league-stage match and must produce a strong performance to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Both teams have an important challenge ahead as the league stage draws to a close.