KIRTIPUR, October 31, 2026: Sudurpaschim Royals won the toss and elected to bowl first against Biratnagar Kings in a rain-reduced five-over-per-side match in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2026 at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Saturday.
The eighth match of the tournament was originally scheduled to begin at 5:00 pm but faced a lengthy delay due to wet ground conditions. Following an inspection, the umpires confirmed a five-over contest after ground staff worked to make the field playable.
The revised schedule set the toss for 7:25 pm, with the first ball scheduled for 7:41 pm Nepal time.
Match Reduced to Five Overs per Side
With limited playing time available, both teams will have five overs each to decide the result. The boundary on the Red Bull Zone side has also been shortened, and the match will be played on the second wicket from the scoreboard end.
The innings break has been set at 10 minutes.
Delay Followed by Disagreement
The extended delay also led to a disagreement over the decision to reduce the match to five overs per side. According to Nepalnews, Sudurpaschim Royals players walked off the field following the decision.
A discussion involving captain Dipendra Singh Airee, head coach Misbah-ul-Haq, CAN secretary Paras Khadka, the umpires and the curator took place amid the disagreement.
However, after the ground inspection and subsequent arrangements, the match was scheduled to proceed as a five-over contest.
Both Teams Target Important Points
The match is important for both sides as they look to improve their position in the NPL 2026 standings. Sudurpaschim Royals entered the fixture with two points from two matches, while Biratnagar Kings were still searching for their first win after losing their opening two games.
A victory will earn the winning team two points. With no reserve days in the tournament, the shortened contest offers both sides an opportunity to secure a result despite the weather disruption.
Sudurpaschim Royals vs Biratnagar Kings: Match Details
- Match: 8th Match, Nepal Premier League 2026
- Date: October 31, 2026
- Venue: Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur
- Overs: 5 per side
- Toss: Sudurpaschim Royals won and elected to bowl
- Batting first: Biratnagar Kings
- Scheduled start: 7:41 pm NPT
- Innings break: 10 minutes