Kathmandu: Veteran Binod Bhandari smashed a magnificent half-century as runners-up Sudurpaschim Royals extended their winning streak with a seven-wicket victory over national captain Rohit Paudel-led Lumbini Lions in the Nepal Premier League T20 at the TU Cricket Stadium, Thursday.

Inviting the Lions to bat first, the Royals bowled them out for 143 with two balls to spare, before comfortably chasing the moderate target with 145-3 in 18.2 overs—thanks to an unbeaten 69 off 49 from Bhandari.

The fourth win on the trot lifts the Royals—the only unbeaten side—on top of the standings with the maximum eight points, while the Lions are struggling at sixth with two points from four matches.

Earlier, Lumbini captain Paudel top-scored with 35 off 36 balls, including three boundaries. Dilip Nath contributed 31 off 29 with two fours and a six. Openers D’Arcy Short and Sumit Maharjan chipped in with 18 runs each off 11 and 14 deliveries, respectively. Gulbadin Naib (11) was the only other batter to reach double figures.

Abinash Bohara and Harmeet Singh claimed three wickets apiece while Hemant Dhami grabbed two. Bohara’s 17th over proved decisive as he removed Gulbadin Naib and Dilip Nat, and also contributed to a run out of Ruben Trumpelmann executed by captain Dipendra Singh Airee.

Harmeet then dismissed Thomas Draca and Abhishesh Gautam in the final over, both caught by Airee.

In the chase, opener Bhandari struck five boundaries and four sixes to remain unbeaten and earn the player-of-the-match award. He shared a crucial 99-run stand for the third wicket with Aarif Sheikh, who scored a composed 39 off 37 balls, hitting four boundaries and a six before Paudel caught him off Tilak Bhandari.

Trumpelmann, Abhishesh Gautam and Tilak Bhandari took a wicket each for the Lions.