By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Dec 04, 2025 16:29 PM • 29 views
KIRTIPUR — In a tournament where consistency is often the first casualty, the Sudur Paschim Royals have turned winning into a monotonous habit. Thursday at the TU International Cricket Ground was no different. Led by a calculated half-century from Chris Lynn and a strangling bowling effort spearheaded by Puneet Mehra, the Royals decimated the Chitwan Rhinos by 49 runs, securing their spot in Qualifier 1 and stretching their unbeaten streak to a daunting six matches. For the Chitwan Rhinos, this was a reality check. Chasing a competitive but manageable target of 170, their batting lineup disintegrated under pressure, folding for 120 in 17.1 overs. The result not only cements the Royals' dominance at the top of the table but also reshuffles the playoff deck, confirming a spot for the Biratnagar Kings and leaving the Rhinos with plenty of soul-searching to do.
The Lynn Factor: Anchoring the Ship
Sent in to bat on a surface that demanded application, the Royals didn't blitz the power play. They lost Binod Bhandari (21) and Ishan Pandey early, stuttering slightly. Enter Chris Lynn. The Australian veteran played an innings of immense maturity, understanding that on this Kirtipur deck, longevity at the crease was worth more than frantic hitting.
Lynn's 75 off 56 balls was the spine of the Royals' total. He struck five boundaries and three sixes, manipulating the field and punishing the loose deliveries before retiring hurt—a move that arguably accelerated the death overs. With the platform set, skipper Dipendra Singh Airee and Aarif Sheikh applied the finishing touches, both remaining unbeaten on 24 to drag the total to a psychological 169/4.
Chitwan's bowlers had their moments. Ranjit Kumar was exceptional, returning figures of 1/16 from his four overs, a spell that deserved better support. Saif Zaib grabbed two wickets but was expensive, leaking 35 runs, while George Scrimshaw's pace was used against him as he went for 40.
The Chase: A Rhino Collapse
Chasing 170 required a steady start, but the Rhinos seemed intent on self-destruction. The top order was dismantled inside the powerplay, leaving them reeling at 36/3. Ravi Bopara (29) and Dev Khanal (28) briefly threatened to stabilise the innings, stitching together a partnership that hinted at a revival. At 90/4, the game was delicately poised. However, the dismissal of the set batters triggered a catastrophic collapse. The Rhinos lost their last six wickets for just 30 runs, capitulating in a heap.
The Bowling Card: Spin to Win
While the batters set the target, it was the Royals' bowlers who defended it with venom. Puneet Mehra was the architect of the collapse, spinning a web around the Rhinos' middle order to claim 3 wickets. He was ably supported by his captain, Airee, who was miserly with the ball, conceding just 9 runs in his three overs and picking up a wicket. The discipline was total; there were no freebies, and the pressure mounted until the Rhinos cracked.
Analyst's Take: The 'Invincibles' Tag is Earned
The Sudur Paschim Royals are now the team to beat, not just because they are winning, but because of how they are winning. They have found match-winners in every department. When the top order wobbles, the middle order stands up. When the pacers are expensive, the spinners tighten the noose.
Key takeaways from Match 24:
Adaptability: The Royals assessed the conditions better. Lynn realised 170 was a winning score and didn't throw his wicket away chasing 200. Chitwan's Fragility: The Rhinos are too reliant on individual brilliance. Their lower-middle order offered zero resistance, a flaw that will be exploited in crunch games. Playoff Picture: With 12 points, the Royals are safe. The Rhinos, however, have inadvertently helped the teams below them. The pressure is now squarely on them to find momentum before the knockouts.
Conclusion
As the players shook hands, the contrast was stark. The Royals walked off with the swagger of a side that has forgotten how to lose, while the Rhinos looked like a team searching for answers. With the playoffs looming, Sudur Paschim has sent a loud message to the rest of the NPL: the road to the trophy goes through them.
