Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Sudurpaschim Royals stormed to the top of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) table with a commanding 72-run victory over Janakpur Bolts at the TU International Cricket Grounds on Wednesday.
Batting first, Sudurpaschim Royals managed 123 runs for the loss of nine wickets. Their bowlers then dismantled the Janakpur Bolts’ batting lineup, restricting them to a paltry 51 runs in 12.1 overs.
The Royals got off to a good start, adding 55 runs for the first wicket under challenging conditions. Saif Zaib scored 21, while Binod Bhandari contributed a crucial 33 off 37 balls. He hit three fours and a six. However, the batting faltered thereafter and the Royals started losing wickets at regular intervals. Harmeet Singh fell for 1, Brandon McMullen scored 11, and captain Dipendra Singh Airee was dismissed without scoring. Although Ishan Pandey scored a fighting 17, Aarif Sheikh (6) and Scott Kuggeleijn (7) fell cheaply, while Naresh Budayair scored an unbeaten 9.
For Janakpur, Kishore Mahato shone with four wickets, while Sher Malla and Arniko Yadav picked up two each. Harsh Thaker claimed one wicket.
Chasing a modest 123 to maintain their unbeaten record, Janakpur Bolts crumbled under the pressure of Sudurpaschim’s disciplined bowling. Joshua Tromp’s 13 off 13 balls was the highest score for Janakpur. Key batters Anil Sah, Asif Sheikh, Lahiru Milantha, Harsh Thaker, and James Neesham were dismissed for 0, 4, 7, 5, and 4 runs, respectively.
Sudurpaschim’s bowlers were exceptional, with Harmeet Singh, Dipendra Singh Airee, and Ishan Pandey claiming two wickets each. Saif Zaib, Naren Saud, and Scott Kuggeleijn picked up one wicket apiece. Harmeet Singh gave only two runs in his four-overl spell which included two maidens.
