Kathmandu, Nov. 6 -- Sudurpaschim Royals strengthened their bid for the Nepal Premier League playoffs with a 39-run victory over Karnali Yaks at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Friday.

The two-time runners-up moved up to second in the standings with six points, while Karnali remained on four. The win was Sudurpaschim's third consecutive victory over Karnali.

Chasing a target of 177, Karnali struggled to keep pace with the required run rate and finished on 137 for seven in their 20 overs.

South African batter David Miller remained unbeaten on 93 off 55 balls, hitting five fours and seven sixes, but his innings was not enough to take Karnali over the line.

Karnali's innings got off to a poor start when opener Ariful I...