Sudurpaschim Royals set Karnali Yaks a challenging target of 177 runs in their Nepal Premier League match at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Friday.

The two-time runners-up, batting first, scored 176 for six in their 20 overs, with Binod Bhandari and Saif Zaib providing a strong start before Karnali's bowlers slowed the scoring.

Tharindu Rathnayake, on 22, and Scott Kuggeleijn, on 13, remained unbeaten at the end of the innings.

Bhandari and Zaib added 68 runs for the opening wicket, raising hopes of a bigger total. Bhandari was run out for 27 off 22 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes.

Zaib followed shortly afterwards, bowled by Surya Tamang for 35. He faced 24 deliveries, hitting four fours and a six.

Sudurpaschim's scoring rate dipped after the two openers departed, allowing Karnali's bowlers to take control.

Captain Dipendra Singh Airee was stumped for 10 when the score reached 95, with wicketkeeper Dipak Dumre completing a smart dismissal.

Brendon McMullen added 24 off 16 balls before falling to Nandan Yadav.

Ishan Pandey scored 23 before being caught off Mark Watt's bowling, with South African David Miller taking the catch.

Aarif Sheikh managed 11 off 14 balls, while Watt was Karnali's most successful bowler, taking two wickets for 27 runs.

Karnali are third in the standings with four points from three matches. Sudurpaschim also have four points but sit sixth after playing five matches.

The two sides have met twice in the tournament, with Sudurpaschim winning both encounters.