Sudurpashchim Royals became the first team to secure a playoff berth in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) after defeating defending champions Janakpur Bolts by six wickets at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Saturday.

Chasing 146 for victory, Sudurpashchim cruised home with 14 balls to spare, thanks to a composed 91-run partnership between Ishan Pandey and Binod Bhandari that steadied the innings after an early wobble. The win marked their fifth straight victory, placing them firmly on course for the Qualifier 1 spot.

Sudurpashchim made a shaky start as opener Josh Brown fell to the first ball of the innings and Chris Lynn departed for just one. But Pandey and Bhandari rebuilt confidently, adding 91 runs off 75 deliveries. Pandey struck a fluent 56 off 35 balls, hitting eight fours and a six, while Bhandari compiled a steady 42 from 49 balls with three fours and a six.

Captain Dipendra Singh Airee smashed 10 off 7 balls before Harmeet Singh sealed the chase with an unbeaten 25 off 10 deliveries, hammering one four and three sixes. Janakpur’s bowlers struggled to defend the modest total, with Maaz Sadaqat taking two wickets and Sanjay Krishnamurthi and Aditya Mahata picking up one each.

Earlier, Janakpur had posted 145–8, boosted by a late surge and an impressive half-century from American batter Sanjay Krishnamurthi. Coming in with his side at 67–4 after 12 overs, Krishnamurthi anchored the innings with 50 off 38 balls, striking four boundaries and two sixes. His 20-run assault on Airee in the 15th over and a 55-run stand with Mahata took Janakpur to a competitive score.

Sudurpashchim’s comeback in the field was sparked by Abinash Bohara, who removed Krishnamurthi and Subash Khakurel off consecutive deliveries in the 18th over. Bohara finished with 4–30, while Scott Kuggeleijn claimed 3–22.

Janakpur, who lifted the title last season, now face near elimination after losing their opening four matches. Their decision to replace regular captain Anil Sah with new skipper Wayne Parnell has yet to reverse their fortunes, while last season’s standout Lahiru Milantha also remained out of the playing XI.

Sudurpashchim, runners-up last season, have emerged as the strongest contenders this year, dominating all five of their matches to secure the first playoff spot.