KATHMANDU: With today’s win against Lumbini Lions, the previous runners-up Sudurpaschim Royals have moved closer to the playoff in the second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) cricket currently under way at the Tribhuvan International Cricket Stadium, Kirtipur,

Sudurpaschim secured their fourth consecutive win by defeating Lumbini Lions by seven wickets. Chasing a target of 144 runs set by Lumbini, Sudurpaschim achieved it in 18.2 overs with the loss of three wickets.

In today’s match, Sudurpaschim’s opening batter Binod Bhandari played a half-century innings remaining unbeaten on 69, while Arif Sheikh added 37 runs.

Sudurpaschim secured the win with Binod and Sheikh putting together a 99-run partnership after losing two wickets at 39 runs. Binod was also named Player of the Match.

Earlier, Lumbini, having lost the toss and put into batting first, were all out for 143 runs in 19.4 overs. In this captain Rohit Paudel contributed the most with 35 runs and Dilip Nath scored 31 runs.

In bowling, Abhinash Bohara from Sudurpaschim took three wickets, Harmit Singh three, and Hemant Dhami two wickets.

Sudurpaschim, captained by Dipendra Singh Airee, has won four consecutive matches and is at the top with eight points.

Under the captaincy of Rohit Kumar Paudel, Lumbini has won only one out of four matches. With two points, Lumbini is in the sixth place in the points table.

With the loss in this match, Lumbini are in increased pressure as they must win the remaining three matches to reach the playoffs.