Sports
Sudurpaschim Royals Secure First NPL Win with Airee’s 50
In Kathmandu on October 28, Sudurpaschim Royals won their first Nepal Premier League match when captain Dipendra Singh Airee scored a quick 50 off 36 balls. The Royals chased 146 at the TU Cricket Ground, finishing on 149 for 4 in 16.5 overs. Airee’s innings included four fours and two sixes, and he was joined by Ishan Pandey, who made 37 off 31 balls, for a 74‑run partnership that steadied the chase after an early wobble. Sudurpaschim lost opener Binod Bhandari for four before Saif Ali Zaid and Brandon McMullen added 34 for the second wicket. Pandey was dismissed after his 37, while Sherfane Rutherford finished unbeaten on eight. Pokhara Avengers were bowled out for 145, with Arjun Gharti Magar top‑scoring unbeaten 40 off 25. Dhananjaya Lakshan, Maheesh Theekshana and Shakib Al Hasan each took one wicket for Pokhara. Anil Kharel was Sudurpaschim’s leading bowler, taking three wickets for 23 runs in three overs. Two NPL matches remain on Thursday: Janakpur Bolts will play Kathmandu Gorkhas at 12:30 pm, followed by Biratnagar Kings versus Karnali Yaks at 5 pm.