KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 10
Lumbini Lions secured a spot in Qualifier 2 of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2025 after defeating Kathmandu Gorkhas by four wickets.
In the eliminator match held earlier today at the TU International Cricket Ground, Lumbini chased down Kathmandu's target of 112 runs in 17.4 overs, losing six wickets in the process.
D'Arcy Short anchored the innings with 33 runs off 34 balls, while Sundeep Jora contributed 23 runs off 23 balls. Captain Rohit Paudel and Niroshan Dickwella added 18 and 14 runs respectively to steer the chase.
For Kathmandu, Santosh Yadav claimed two wickets, while Karan KC, Sunny Patel, Shahab Alam, and Rashid Khan chipped in with one wicket apiece.
Earlier, Kathmandu Gorkhas, opting to bat first after winning the toss, were bowled out for a modest 111 runs in 19.1 overs. Santosh Yadav top-scored with a brisk 23 off 17 balls, while John Simpson and Mohammad Aadil Alam scored 18 runs each. Bhim Sharki added 14 runs off 16 deliveries.
Lumbini's bowling attack proved decisive. Sher Malla delivered an exceptional spell, taking three wickets for 22 runs in his four overs-a performance that earned him the Player of the Match award. Captain Rohit Paudel also picked up three wickets, while Ruben Trumpelmann claimed two.
With today's victory, Lumbini Lions advance to face Biratnagar Kings in Qualifier 2, scheduled for tomorrow at the same venue. Biratnagar had earlier suffered a 77-run defeat to Sudurpaschim Kings in Tuesday's Qualifier 1.
Sudurpaschim, having already secured their place in the final, will take on the winner of tomorrow's clash. The final is set to be held on Saturday at the TU International Cricket Ground.
