Lumbini Lions reaches playoffs; defending champion Janakpur Bolts eliminated from league stage

KATHMANDU: Lumbini Lions have secured a spot in the playoffs of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), while defending champions Janakpur Bolts were eliminated from the league stage following Friday’s 25th match of the tournament.

Lumbini defeated Janakpur by four wickets at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, chasing down a target of 133 runs in 19 overs while losing six wickets.

Captain Rohit Poudel top-scored for Lumbini with 34 runs off 32 balls, including two fours and a six. Darcy Short contributed 30 runs off 24 balls, while JJ Smith added 21 runs off 19 balls.

On the bowling side, Sangeeth Kure was Janakpur’s standout performer, taking three wickets, supported by Mayan Yadav (2) and Sanjay Krishnamurthy (1).

Earlier, after winning the toss and electing to bat, Janakpur posted 132/6 in 20 overs. Kure scored an unbeaten 45 off 38 balls, hitting two fours and a six, while Mayan Yadav made 27 off 23 balls, and opener Ashif Sheikh contributed 20 off 17. For Lumbini, Poudel and Sher Malla took two wickets each, while Ruben Trumpelman and JJ Smith claimed one each.

With this result, the playoff teams are now confirmed as Sudurpaschim Royals, Kathmandu Gorkhas, Biratnagar Kings, and Lumbini Lions, all finishing in the top four of the points table. The final playoff matchups are yet to be finalized.

All matches of the second season of the NPL are being held at the Tribhuvan University Ground in Kirtipur, with games scheduled in the afternoon and evening.

The Nepal Cricket Association (CAN) is selling 9,450 tickets per match. The NPL will continue until December 13.

This season features 32 matches, including the league stage, three playoffs, and the final. Ticket prices are set at Rs 500 for general and Rs 1,500 for premium seating on Saturdays. For other league-stage matches, tickets are Rs 500 and Rs 1,000, while post-playoff matches are priced at Rs 1,000 for general and Rs 2,000 for premium seats.

Eight franchise teams are competing in the league: Janakpur Bolts, Sudurpaschim Royals, Karnali Yaks, Pokhara Avengers, Biratnagar Kings, Chitwan Rhinos, Kathmandu Gorkhas, and Lumbini Lions.