Dec 09, Kathmandu - Sudurpaschim Royals have made a mediocre start against Biratnagar Kings in the first qualifier of the Nepal Premier League (NPL).

Sudurpaschim, who came in to bat after losing the toss at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Stadium in Kirtipur on Tuesday, scored 42 runs for the loss of one wicket at the end of the first power play (6 overs).

Sheldon Jackson and Binod Bhandari, who are currently at the crease for Sudurpaschim, are playing on 11 and 20 runs respectively.

Biratnagar's Marchant de Lange took one wicket.

When these two teams met in the league stage, Biratnagar put a break on Sudurpaschim's unbeaten run. In the league stage, Sudurpaschim achieved the target of 148 runs, losing only four wickets in 11.5 overs.

Sudurpaschim secured first place and Biratnagar second place in the league. Sudurpaschim had collected 12 points from seven matches, while Biratnagar had collected 10 points.

The team that wins today's match will directly secure a place in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the losing team will compete with the winner of the Eliminator on Wednesday in the second qualifier. Kathmandu Gorkhaz and Lumbini Lions are scheduled to compete in the Eliminator of the tournament.