NPL: Key stats from the league stage

KATHMANDU: The league stage of the inaugural Nepal Premier League (NPL) concluded on Monday. Of the eight participating franchises, four secured their spots in the playoffs, while the bottom four teams have exited the tournament.

Sudurpaschim Royals, Janakpur Bolts, Chitwan Rhinos and Karnali Yaks have qualified for the playoffs, while Kathmandu Gurkhas, Pokhara Avengers, Biratnagar Kings and Lumbini Lions exited the NPL from the league stage.

The playoff stage of NPL kicks off on Wednesday. In the Eliminator, Karnali Yaks will face Chitwan Rhinos, while Sudurpaschim Royals and Janakpur Bolts will compete in Qualifier 1. The loser of Qualifier 1 will get another chance by playing the winner of the Eliminator for a final berth.

Here we present interesting stats and key performers from the league stage:

Most Wins

1. Sudurpaschim Royals – 6
2. Janakpur Bolts – 5
3. Chitwan Rhinos/Karnali Yaks/Kathmandu Gurkhas – 4

Highest Team Total

1. Biratnagar Kings 193/8 against Lumbini Lions
2. Lumbini Lions 191/7 against Biratnagar Kings
3. Sudurpaschim Royals 187/4 against Lumbini Lions

Lowest Team Total

1. Janakpur Bolts – 51 against Sudurpaschim Royals
2. Pokhara Avengers – 74 against Chitwan Rhinos
3. Lumbini Lions – 85 against Kathmandu Gurkhas

Total Team Runs

1. Sudurpaschim Royals – 1048 runs
2. Chitwan Rhinos – 1013 runs
3. Lumbini Lions – 1013 runs

Highest Runs Conceded

1. Lumbini Lions – 1057 runs
2. Biratnagar Kings – 1026 runs
3. Pokhara Avengers – 1014 runs

Top Scorers

1. Rohit Paudel (Lumbini Lions) – 279 runs from seven innings with an average of 39.85
2. Ravi Bopara (Chitwan Rhinos) – 233 runs from seven innings with an average of 38.83
3. Andries Gous (Pokhara Avengers) – 224 runs from six innings with an average of 44.80

Top Wicket Takers

1. Scott Kuggeleijn (Sudurpaschim Royals) – 15 wickets from seven innings with an average of nine
2. Lalit Rajbanshi (Janakpur Bolts) – 13 wickets from seven innings with an average of 10.69
3. Rijan Dhakal (Chitwan Rhinos) – 13 wickets from seven innings within an average of 14.46

Highest Score

1. Andries Gous (Pokhara Avengers) 104 not out from 55 balls
2. Rohit Paudel (Lumbini Lions) 95 from 49 balls
3. SA Zaib (Sudurpaschim Royals) 90 from 61 balls

Best Bowling Figure

1. William Bosisto (Karnali Yaks) 6 for 28 in 4 overs against Pokhara Avengers
2. Scott Kuggeleinj (Sudurpaschim Royals) 5 for 18 in 3.4 overs against Pokhara Avengers
3. Naren Saud (Sudurpaschim Royals) 5/19 in 3.5 overs against Kathmandu Gurkhas

Most Catches

1. Anil Sah (Janakpur Bolts) – 12 catches in seven innings
2. Naresh Budayer (Sudurapaschim Royals) – 9 catches in seven innings
3. Brendon McMullen (Sudurapaschim Royals) – 7 catches in seven innings

Most Sixes

1. James Neesham (Janakpur Bolts) – 15
2. Kushal Malla (Chitwan Rhinos) – 14
3. Dipendra Singh Airee (Sudurpaschim Royals) – 11

Highest Partnership

1. Dinesh Kharel/Andries Gous (Pokhara Advengers) – 176 not out against Lumbini Lions
2. Harsh Thaker/Lahiru Milantha (Janakpur Bolts) – 116 not out against Biratnagar Kings
3. Saad Bin Zafar/Rohit Paudel (Lumbini Lions) – 114 runs against Chitwan Rhinos

Best Batting Strike Rate

1. James Neesham (Janakpur Bolts) – 193.67
2. Sompal Kami (Karnali Yaks) – 188
3. Dipendra Singh Airee (Sudurpaschim Royals) – 167.79

Best Bowling Economy

1. Harmeet singh (Sudurpaschim Royals) – 3.75
2. Mohammad Mohsin (Janakpur Bolts) – 4.91
3. Lalit Rajbanshi (Janakpur Bolts) – 4.96