NPL 2025 Match Result: Sudurpaschim Royals vs Biratnagar Kings in Match 24

Published · By Kushma Thapa

Net Run Rate Knockout! Biratnagar Kings Stun Royals, Snatch 2nd Seed from Kathmandu Gorkhas

In one of the most remarkable victories in NPL history, the Biratnagar Kings didn't just beat the table-topping Sudurpaschim Royals; they dismantled them with surgical precision to dramatically alter the NPL 2025 playoff structure.

The Kings secured a six-wicket victory with a staggering 53 balls to spare, shattering all previous expectations for the team's final league-stage position. This clinical dominance propelled them to 2nd place in the final standings, earning them a coveted spot in Qualifier 1.

The Math-Defying Win

Entering the match, the Kings needed an almost impossible scenario to leapfrog the Kathmandu Gorkhas (KMG) for the 2nd seed, requiring a massive boost to their Net Run Rate (NRR) deficit of ~0.348.

The Kings accomplished this feat by achieving the target of 148 runs in just 11.5 overs (compared to the Royals' 147/6). This unbelievable performance instantly vaulted their NRR from +0.189 to +0.680, comfortably surpassing the Kathmandu Gorkhas' final NRR of +0.537.

Both teams finished the league stage tied on 10 points (five wins each), but the Kings' historic display secured them the higher seeding on the tie-breaker.

Faf du Plessis and Sam Heazlett Lead the Charge

The foundation of this historic chase was laid by the Kings' two overseas stars, Faf du Plessis and Sam Heazlett, who both scored match-winning half-centuries.

Faf du Plessis set the tone with an aggressive, flawless display, capitalizing on the powerplay with an intent few thought possible.

Sam Heazlett continued the relentless assault, ensuring the required run rate never dipped, hitting boundaries at will to accelerate the chase and breach the critical 13-over mark well ahead of schedule.

The Kings won the toss and chose to bowl while the Royals, batting first, managed a modest 147/6. While their bowlers fought hard, they could not contain the aggression of the Kings' top order, who were clearly instructed to chase a historic margin.

Road to the Final

The Kings will now bypass the high-risk Eliminator match and head directly into the Qualifier 1 against the table-toppers, the Sudurpaschim Royals.

  • Qualifier 1 (Dec 9): Sudurpaschim Royals (1st) vs. Biratnagar Kings (2nd)

  • Eliminator (Dec 10): Kathmandu Gorkhas (3rd) vs. Lumbini Lions (4th)

The Kings have truly beaten all the odds and established themselves as a dark horse contender, carrying immense momentum into the playoffs.