Sudurpaschim Royals booked their place in the Nepal Premier League final for the second consecutive season after overpowering Biratnagar Kings by 77 runs in Qualifier 1 at the TU International Cricket Ground on Tuesday.

Defending 155, the Royals wrapped up Biratnagar for a mere 78 in 14.1 overs, securing a dominant victory and settling the score for their only loss in the league stage.

Biratnagar, who will now play in Qualifier 2 against the winners of Wednesday’s Eliminator between Kathmandu Gorkhas and Lumbini Lions, never recovered from a shaky start.

Opener Sam Heazlett fell to the very first ball of the innings, while Martin Guptill added only two. Naren Bhatta also departed without scoring, leaving the Kings rattled at 3-3. Faf du Plessis attempted to stabilise the chase with a 36-run knock off 29 balls, striking three fours and a six, but his dismissal to Scott Kuggeleijn—caught by wicketkeeper Pradeep Airee—effectively ended Biratnagar’s hopes.

Basir Ahamad (out for 8), Lokesh Bam (5), Narayan Joshi (1) and Pratish GC (run out for 3) all fell cheaply. Only Marchant de Lange showed some late resistance, making 15.

Earlier, Sudurpaschim posted 155-7, thanks largely to an assured half-century from opener Binod Bhandari, who struck 63 off 52 balls with three fours and two sixes—his second fifty of the season. Pakistani opener Mukhtar Ahmad managed only 10 on debut, while Sheldon Jackson contributed a brisk 20 off 11.

Ishan Pandey added 13 before falling to Heazlett, while Dipendra Singh Airee was run out for 3 and Harmeet Singh scored 14. Aarif Sheikh provided a useful finish with an unbeaten 20.

Pratish GC and de Lange were the pick of Biratnagar's bowlers, taking two wickets each.

With the win, Sudurpaschim return to the final, having also reached the title match last season after defeating Janakpur Bolts in Qualifier 1.

Biratnagar, meanwhile, must regroup quickly if they are to keep their title hopes alive.