Sudurpaschim Royals defeated Chitwan Rhinos by 49 runs in the Nepal Premier League match at the TU International Cricket Stadium in Kirtipur on Thursday to enter Qualifier-1.

Sudurpaschim extended their unbeaten streak with a sixth consecutive win, topping the points table with 12 points and one league match remaining. 

After Chitwan lost to Sudurpaschim, third-placed Biratnagar Kings secured a spot in the playoff with one league game remaining. Biratnagar has eight points from six matches, and only Lumbini Lions can now overtake them in the standings.

Thursday’s defeats for Pokhara Avengers and Chitwan Rhinos also worked in Lumbini Lions’ favour. A win against Janakpur Bolts on Friday will see Lumbini confirm their place in the playoffs.

Put to bat first after losing the toss, Sudurpaschim set a 17o-run target as Chris Lynn anchored the innings with an unbeaten 75 runs off 56 balls before retiring hurt. Binod Bhandari added 21 runs, while Aarif Sheikh and Dipendra Singh Airee closed out strongly with 24 runs each. The Royals were steady early on, reaching 46 for the loss of one wicket inside the powerplay. They crossed 100 runs in the 14th over and finished well despite losing wickets at regular intervals.

Ranjit Kumar delivered the most economical spell for Chitwan, taking one wicket for 16 runs from his four overs. Saif Zaib claimed two wickets but was hit for 35 runs, while George Scrimshaw picked up one wicket but leaked 40 runs. Despite occasional breakthroughs, Chitwan’s attack could not stem the flow of runs.

Chitwan’s chase never settled. They lost three wickets for 36 in the powerplay and continued to falter under disciplined bowling. Ravi Bopara top-scored with 29, and Dev Khanal struck 28, but no partnership lasted long enough to threaten the target. The scoring pressure grew, and the Rhinos were dismissed for 120 in 17.1 overs.

Airee led the Royals’ defence with figures of one for nine in three overs. Puneet Mehra took three wickets, while Hikmat Mahara, Abinash Bohara and Ishan Pandey claimed one each. Chitwan slid from 90-4 to 111-8 in three overs, ending their chase.