Kathmandu, Nov. 29 -- Sudurpashchim Royals became the first team to secure a playoff berth in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) after defeating defending champions Janakpur Bolts by six wickets at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Saturday.

Chasing 146 for victory, Sudurpashchim cruised home with 14 balls to spare, thanks to a composed 91-run partnership between Ishan Pandey and Binod Bhandari that steadied the innings after an early wobble. The win marked their fifth straight victory, placing them firmly on course for the Qualifier 1 spot.

Sudurpashchim made a shaky start as opener Josh Brown fell to the first ball of the innings and Chris Lynn departed for just one. But Pandey and Bhandari rebuilt confidently, adding 91 ...