Sudur Paschim Royals vs Biratnagar Kings, Qualifier 1

The upcoming Qualifier 1 of Nepal Premier League 2025 between Sudur Paschim Royals and Biratnagar Kings promises to be a riveting contest, showcasing two well-matched teams. Sudur Paschim Royals have demonstrated notably consistent form throughout the tournament's league phase, banking on their solid top order and disciplined bowling attack. Key players like Dipendra Singh Airee have delivered match-winning performances, combining aggressive batting with sharp fielding. Their bowling unit, led by Anil Mandal, has been effective in strangulating runs during the death overs. On the other hand, Biratnagar Kings have surged impressively in the latter stages of the tournament. The arrival of Sharad Vesawkar has given them the stability and experience required under pressure. Their bowling contingent, particularly pace spearhead Rajan Mukarung, has displayed variations that have troubled batsmen across venues. In their last five meetings, the Royals hold a slight edge with three wins, but the Kings have shown resilience, especially in chase scenarios. Both teams will likely strategize meticulously for this knockout fixture. Royals might rely on building a strong foundation upfront and exploiting the powerplay fully, then leveraging their spinners in the middle overs. The Kings, conversely, could focus on unpredictable bowling changes and capitalizing on pressure moments, with a flexible batting order to adapt to conditions. Considering form, head-to-head stats, and player availability, this game is finely poised. Slight upper hand is with Sudur Paschim Royals due to their balance across departments and familiarity with conditions at Tribhuvan University Ground.

Winning Probability: Sudur Paschim Royals: 55%, Biratnagar Kings: 45%

If Sudur Paschim Royals bat first, they are expected to post a competitive total between 165 and 175 runs, relying on their aggressive top order to capitalize on the powerplay and accelerate in the final overs. Their balanced lineup tends to handle pressure well, making it challenging for opponents. Should Biratnagar Kings bat first, a score in the range of 160-170 is likely, fueled by their middle-order strength and ability to consolidate after early wickets. Both teams possess effective finishers who can add crucial late runs. The pitch conditions at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground generally favor stroke play with manageable assistance to bowlers, encouraging teams to set or chase totals hovering around 165 runs for a win.

The Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground has traditionally offered a balanced pitch for T20 encounters. Average first-innings scores at this venue hover around 165 runs, with teams batting first winning approximately 55% of matches, indicating a fairly even contest between bat and ball. The pitch tends to provide good bounce and carry, facilitating stroke play especially during the initial overs. Weather forecasts indicate clear skies with temperatures around 22°C and minimal chance of rain, ensuring uninterrupted play. The outfield is quick, which benefits well-timed shots. Among the two teams, Dipendra Singh Airee is the top batsman with the highest individual score of 87 runs here. The best bowling figures are held by Rajan Mukarung, who once took 4 wickets for 19 runs in a previous encounter at this ground. These individual records highlight the players capable of turning the tide in their teams' favor.

Matches Played	Sudur Paschim Royals Wins	Biratnagar Kings Wins
7	4	3

Team Recent Performance

Team	Last 5 Matches	Wins	Losses
Sudur Paschim Royals	W, W, L, W, W	4	1
Biratnagar Kings	L, W, W, W, L	3	2

Dipendra Singh Airee: The Royals’ dynamic batsman is in peak form, having scored multiple half-centuries recently and consistently anchoring innings under pressure.

Anil Mandal: The frontline pacer of Sudur Paschim, Anil’s economical spells and knack for key wickets have been vital in restricting opponents.

Kiran Chemjong: The Kings’ wicketkeeper-batsman has provided crucial middle-order stability, exhibiting calmness and timely strike rotation in the latest matches.

Sharad Vesawkar: A seasoned campaigner, Sharad’s experience has shone through with steady runs and effective leadership, especially in tight match situations.

Rajan Mukarung: Biratnagar’s strike bowler, Rajan’s ability to swing the ball early and defend small totals makes him a player likely to influence the qualifier outcome decisively.