Kathmandu, Dec. 9 -- The second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), underway in the capital, has now entered its decisive and most thrilling phase. After 28 league matches played over nearly a month, the playoff battle will begin on Tuesday at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. Sunday's final league match between defending champions Janakpur Bolts and Karnali Yaks completed the top-four equation and confirmed that a new champion will emerge this season in Nepal's franchise cricket.Collapse of Janakpur and hunt for a new champion

The biggest shock of the season came from defending champions Janakpur Bolts, whose dismal performance saw them fail to lift themselves even in their final match played for pride. As a result, last year's ...