Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Kathmandu Gorkhas take on Sudurpaschim Royals in a top-of-the-table clash, while Janakpur Bolts face Chitwan Rhinos in the second match on Friday as the Nepal Premier League (NPL) enters the final stretch of its league stage.
With only five league matches remaining, Friday’s double-header at the TU International Cricket Stadium in Kirtipur could have a major bearing not only on the playoff spots of these teams but on other teams as well.
Kathmandu and Sudurpaschim meet in the first match at 12:30 pm, while Janakpur meet Chitwan in the second match at 5 p.m.
The top four teams at the end of the league stage will advance to the playoffs. The top two teams will meet on Qualifier 1. The winner of Qualifier 1 will advance to the final, while the loser will get one more chance to enter the final via Qualifier 2, where they meet the winner of the Eliminator.
Kathmandu Gorkhas vs Sudurpaschim Royals
Both Kathmandu and Sudurpaschim have eight points each. Kathmandu have played one match fewer and are second in the standings, while Sudurpaschim are third due to an inferior net run rate.
Kathmandu have enjoyed an impressive run after losing their opening match against Janakpur Bolts. They have won four consecutive matches against Karnali Yaks, Biratnagar Kings, defending champions Lumbini Lions and Chitwan Rhinos.
Sudurpaschim have also won four of their six matches. After suffering defeats against Biratnagar Kings and Karnali Yaks, they bounced back with victories over Chitwan Rhinos, Karnali Yaks and Janakpur Bolts.
The two teams have met twice in previous NPL editions, with Sudurpaschim winning both encounters. They beat Kathmandu by 73 runs in 2024 and by 29 runs in the 2025 edition.
Although both sides are almost certain to make it to the playoffs, a victory on Friday would not only guarantee their playoff spot but also strengthen their position for a top-two finish and a place in Qualifier 1.
The match against Kathmandu is Sudurpaschim’s final league match, while Kathmandu meet Pokhara, who are already out of the playoff race, in their last league round match.
Janakpur Bolts vs Chitwan Rhinos
Janakpur will take on Chitwan in the evening fixture, with two teams facing contrasting playoff prospects.
Chitwan are fourth with five points from five matches. They have won two matches and lost two, while their match against Lumbini Lions was washed out. They play their final league stage match against Karnali Yaks on Sunday. Victories in both remaining matches would take Chitwan to nine points and guarantee a playoff berth.
Janakpur, meanwhile, have four points from six matches. They have won two and lost four matches. They have suffered three consecutive defeats against Lumbini Lions, Biratnagar Kings and Sudurpaschim Royals.
A win on Friday will take their tally to six points, which does not guarantee a playoff spot as their playoff prospects are dependent on the results of other teams.
The two sides have played twice in the NPL, with each side winning one. Chitwan defeated Janakpur by 32 runs in 2024, while Janakpur secured a six-wicket victory in 2025.
