Dhangadi Team Chauraha completed a remarkable turnaround to clinch the first Dhangadi Premier League (DPL) with a 62-run win over Biratnagar Kings here at the SSP Cricket Grounds in Dhangadi on Saturday.

Chauraha, the team led by national team skipper Paras Khadka posted a commanding 159-5 in 20 overs and restricted Biratnagar, the team led by national team allrounder Sharad Vesawkar, for 97 runs in 18.1 overs.

It was an astonishing finish to the tournament for the team languishing in fifth place going into their last league match against the table-topper Rupandehi Challengers. With just two points and needing big win over Rupandehi, Khadka and co. managed to pull off what appeared an unlikely victory that ensured their qualification as the fourth and final team in the playoff.

Only net run-rate separated Chauraha from the eliminated Kanchanpur Iconics and CYS Attariya.

From there on, Chauraha never looked back winning all the matches comprehensively. The hammered Kathmandu Goldens in the Eliminator and dispatched the losers of the first Qualifier Rupandehi again in the second Qualifier to set the title showdown.

In the final, allrounder Aarif Sheikh shone with bat and ball to help his team record a thumping victory. Man-of-the-match Sheikh stuck a fluent 54, clobbering four sixes and as many fours in his 30-ball knock. Amar Singh Routela (31 not out) and skipper Khadka (29) also chipped in to the total. Sushil Kandel was pick of the Biratnagar bowlers with 2-32.

Only Pranit Thapa Magar (27) and Amit Shrestha (26) put on some resistance in Biratnagar run chase with skipper Vesawkar out cheaply for two. Susan Bhari claimed three, while Sheikh and Saurav Kandel grabbed two wickets each for Chauraha.

Champions Chauraha collected a top prize of Rs 1.5 million and the runners-up received Rs 700,000. Sushil Kandel of Biratnagar won the man-of-the-series award that offered a motorbike.