Sudurpaschim Royals have set a formidable 185-run target for Janakpur Bolts in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) cricket final, thanks to a century partnership between Saif Zaib and Binod Bhandari.

Batting first at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur after winning the toss, Sudurpaschim scored 184 runs, losing 9 wickets. Captain Dipendra Singh Airee’s decision to bat first paid off as Zaib and Bhandari dominated the opening 12 overs, adding 117 runs for the first wicket.

Zaib, who scored a brisk half-century off 33 balls, helped Sudurpaschim make an explosive start, with 97 runs in the first 10 overs without losing a wicket. He was dropped on 62 in the 13th over, but Kishore Mahato dismissed him shortly after for 69 runs off 43 balls, hitting 8 fours and 2 sixes. Mahato also took two crucial wickets in the final over, finishing with figures of 3 for 25 in 3 overs.

Bhandari, the other opener, contributed a steady 41 runs off 31 balls, including 1 four and 3 sixes, before being bowled by Lalit Rajbanshi, who impressed with an economical spell, conceding only 15 runs in his 4 overs with 1 maiden.

Other contributions came from Harmeet Singh (14 off 8 balls), Scott Kuggeleijn (13 off 10 balls), and Jimmy Neesham (14 off 12 balls). Dipendra Airee (9) and Aarif Sheikh (1) fell cheaply in the middle order. Mohammad Mohsin also claimed 3 wickets, conceding 40 runs in his 4 overs.

Janakpur’s bowlers struggled against Sudurpaschim’s top-order batting, but Lalit Rajbanshi’s disciplined performance stood out. Jimmy Neesham and Kishore Mahato picked up a wicket each, with Neesham conceding 44 runs in 4 overs.

Both teams fielded unchanged line-ups from their previous matches. Sudurpaschim advanced to the final after defeating Janakpur in Qualifier 1, while Janakpur overcame Karnali Yaks in Qualifier 2.

Sudurpaschim have been dominant throughout the tournament, winning 7 out of 8 matches, including two victories against Janakpur. In the group stage, they beat Janakpur by 72 runs and dismissed them for a record-low 51 runs.

Janakpur, led by New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham, reached the final by defeating Karnali in a thrilling Qualifier 2. Neesham took 2 wickets and scored a quick 45 off 17 balls to chase down Karnali’s 118-run target with an over to spare.

With Sudurpaschim’s recent record and Janakpur’s resilience, the NPL final promises an exciting contest.