Dipendra Singh Airee’s 60 Powers Sudurpaschim Royals to Seven-Run Win Over Kathmandu Gurkhas in NPL 2026

Sudurpaschim Royals captain Dipendra Singh Airee delivered a match-winning performance to guide his side to a seven-run victory over Kathmandu Gurkhas in Match 24 of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2026 at Kirtipur on Friday, November 13. Airee scored 60 off 55 balls and was named Player of the Match.

Batting first, Sudurpaschim Royals posted 125/6 in their allotted 20 overs before restricting Kathmandu Gurkhas to 118/7, securing an important seven-run victory in their final league-stage fixture.

The Royals faced an early collapse after Kathmandu won the toss and elected to bowl. Scott Kuggeleijn (6), Brandon McMullen (0) and Ishan Pandey (0) were dismissed cheaply, leaving Sudurpaschim struggling at 8/3 inside the first two overs.

However, captain Dipendra Singh Airee stepped up when his team needed him most. He steadied the innings with two crucial partnerships, adding 54 runs with Aarif Sheikh, who contributed 16 off 25 balls, and another 54 runs with Tharindu Ratnayake.

Airee remained the backbone of the Royals' batting effort, scoring 60 runs from 55 deliveries, including five boundaries and two sixes. Ratnayake provided valuable support with an unbeaten 26 off 23 balls as Sudurpaschim managed to reach 125/6.

In reply, Kathmandu Gurkhas struggled to build momentum during their chase. Rashid Khan fought hard with an unbeaten 35 off 31 deliveries, but the other batters failed to take their side across the finish line.

Sudurpaschim's bowling attack maintained pressure throughout the innings, with Anil Kharel leading the effort by claiming two wickets for 18 runs. The Royals eventually restricted Kathmandu to 118/7 in 20 overs, sealing a seven-run win.

Sudurpaschim Royals Finish League Stage at the Top

The victory takes Sudurpaschim Royals to 10 points from seven matches, securing the top position in the NPL 2026 points table ahead of Lumbini Lions, who have nine points.

Having completed all their league-stage fixtures, the Royals finish their campaign with 10 points and will now look ahead to the next stage of the tournament.

Meanwhile, Kathmandu Gurkhas remain on eight points and have one league match remaining against Pokhara Avengers on Sunday, November 15.

Second Player of the Match Award for Dipendra Singh Airee

The award against Kathmandu Gurkhas marks Dipendra Singh Airee's second Player of the Match honour in the NPL 2026 season.

His first award came in Match 4 on October 28, when he produced an all-round performance against Pokhara Avengers, scoring an unbeaten 51 off 36 balls and picking up one wicket for 21 runs.

With his crucial half-century against Kathmandu, Airee once again demonstrated his importance to Sudurpaschim Royals, playing a decisive role in helping his team finish the league stage at the top of the points table.