Kathmandu: Table-toppers Sudurpaschim Royals stormed into Qualifier 1 of the Nepal Premier League T20 with a match to spare after a resounding 49-run victory over Chitwan Rhinos, securing their sixth straight win at the TU Cricket Stadium in Kirtipur on Thursday.

Sent in to bat first, the Royals posted 169-4, thanks to a composed half-century from Australian opener Chris Lynn. In reply, Royals bowled out Rhinos for 120 in 17.1 overs.

The result also confirmed Biratnagar Kings’ place in the playoffs with eight points from six games.
The Royals’ sixth win in as many matches guaranteed them a top-of-the-table finish and a berth in Qualifier 1—the virtual semifinal—with 12 points. They will face Biratnagar Kings in their final league match.

Kathmandu Gorkhas became the second team to secure a playoff spot. The Rhinos, meanwhile, sit sixth with four points after their sixth outing in the eight-team competition.

Lynn, opening in place of regular starter Jose Brown, played a composed innings of 75 off 56 before retiring hurt. His knock included five boundaries and three sixes.

Aarif Sheikh and captain Dipendra Singh Airee both contributed quickfire 24 , remaining unbeaten and stitching together a 77-run unbroken stand for the fifth wicket. Airee struck two sixes in his 14-ball cameo, while Aarif hit two boundaries and a six in his 16-ball effort.

Opener Binod Bhandari (21 off 17) and Puneet Mehra (13 off 12) also chipped in for Royals.
For the Rhinos, Saif Zaib claimed 2-35 from his four overs.

The Rhinos’ chase began shakily, losing their top order in quick succession. Openers Dawid Malan (6), Arjun Saud (16) and Saif Zaib (6) departed with the score at 30-3.

Ravi Bopara top-scored with 29 off 23 hitting one boundary and two sixes while Dev Khanal contributed 28 off 29 with three boundaries.

Puneet Mehra starred with the ball for the Royals, taking 3-35 from his three overs.