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Kings vs Royals: High-Stakes Rematch in NPL Qualifier 1

hari bhusal
December 09, 2025
Kings vs Royals: High-Stakes Rematch in NPL Qualifier 1

8 December 2025

The stage is set for a blockbuster showdown as Biratnagar Kings and Sudurpashchim Royals meet again—this time in NPL Qualifier 1, where a direct ticket to the grand final awaits the winner. Their last encounter produced one of the most explosive chases in NPL history, and anticipation is sky-high for the rematch.

Kings’ Historic Chase Creates a Rematch

In their previous league match, the Kings pulled off a sensational chase, knocking down 148 runs in just 11.5 overs. This remarkable effort pushed them into second place and set up today’s qualifier against the same opponents.

Promoted up the order, Sam Heazlett (51) and Faf du Plessis (50) tore into the Royals’ bowling attack, powering the Kings to 87/0 in the powerplay—the highest in NPL history. Returning from injury, Martin Guptill added a quickfire 22 off 9, before being run out by Dipendra Singh Airee on a no-ball situation. Pratish GC (13 off 3) sealed the chase with back-to-back sixes off Abinash Bohara.

Royals Looking to Bounce Back

Sudurpashchim Royals had rested several key players in that match, including Chris Lynn and Scott Kuggeleijn. Despite the loss, they remain one of the strongest units this season—but the defeat revealed a crack in their consistency and aura.

The Royals will miss both Chris Lynn and Josh Brown for the playoffs. However, their core remains strong.

  • Binod Bhandari (201 runs) leads their batting charts. Aarif Sheikh (160) continues to anchor the middle order.
  • Captain Dipendra Singh Airee has been effective but is yet to score a fifty and has an uncharacteristic 8.80 economy rate with the ball.

Their bowling attack still looks formidable, led by last season’s stars Harmeet Singh and Scott Kuggeleijn, who have combined for 18 wickets. Puneet Mehra, who claimed 3/14 against Chitwan Tigers, adds depth, while Dhruv Parashar remains another overseas option.

Kings Lean on Batting Depth and Spin Strength

While no Kings batter has reached the 200-run mark this season, their contributions have been collective:

  • Basir Ahamad (176 runs) already has a match-winning knock to his name.
  • Lokesh Bam (165) has been in explosive form, striking 72 in the tournament opener.

On the bowling front, the Kings boast two of the top wicket-takers of the season:

  • Sandeep Lamichhane – 15 wickets @ 5.10 economy
  • Abinash Bohara – 14 wickets

The Kings' form in the last four matches has been mixed (two wins, two losses), but their ability to turn up in big games keeps them very much in contention.

They are likely to retain the same XI, with a possible tweak in the batting order: Guptill and du Plessis opening, Bam at No.3, and Heazlett at four. De Lange, though expensive early in the tournament, has found better rhythm, while Pratish GC and Surya Tamang will look to improve their economy rates.

Key Battle: Royals’ Bowling vs Kings’ Top Order

The defining contest could be between the Royals’ elite bowling trio—Kuggeleijn, Bohara, and Harmeet—and the Kings’ aggressive foreign top order comprising Guptill, Heazlett, and du Plessis.

Kuggeleijn has been outstanding, with an economy of 6.00, the best among pacers (min. 15 overs). If he strikes early, the Royals could control the game. But if Kings’ top three fire again, another high-scoring thriller is on the cards.

Pitch and Conditions

The league’s early matches saw fresher, slightly greener surfaces, resulting in some big totals. As the tournament progressed, pitches slowed down, raising the average first-innings score to 154, up from 144 last season.

Dew has influenced many matches this year, especially during night fixtures. This match begins at 4 PM, similar to their previous meeting. Dew was not a major factor then and may again remain manageable—unless the surface is reused, which could assist spinners throughout the game.

With two fresh pitches reintroduced in the third week, there is optimism for batting-friendly conditions in the playoffs.

What’s at Stake?

Both teams have huge motivation coming into Qualifier 1:

  • Biratnagar Kings face Sudurpashchim Royals in a high-stakes NPL Qualifier 1 rematch after their explosive 11.5-over chase in the league stage.aim for back-to-back NPL finals.
  • Biratnagar Kings want to prove their victory a few days ago was no fluke.

Fans can expect a high-intensity, skill-packed, and emotional contest as two powerhouses clash for a spot in the NPL 2025 final.

Kings vs Royals: High-Stakes Rematch in NPL Qualifier 1 | Cricketcrease