KATHMANDU: Lumbini Lions secured a comprehensive 40-run victory over Biratnagar Kings in the second qualifier of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) at the TU International Cricket Stadium in Kirtipur, booking their spot in the final against Sudurpashchim Royals on Saturday.
After losing the toss, Lumbini Lions were asked to bat first and posted a challenging total of 134/8 in their 20 overs. Opener D’Arcy Short provided a solid foundation, top-scoring with 45 runs off 41 balls, including three boundaries and a six. He stitched a crucial 69-run partnership for the second wicket with captain Rohit Paudel, who contributed 34 runs from 30 balls with two fours and two sixes.
Despite the strong start, Lumbini lost momentum in the latter half of their innings. Dinesh Adhikari, opening for the second consecutive match, managed only a solitary run, while other contributions came from wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella (29 off 22 balls), Sher Malla (7), Dilipan Nath (1), and lower-order resistance from Sher Malla and JJ Smith failed to accelerate the innings. Lumbini added only 65 runs in the last 10 overs, losing seven wickets in the process.
Chasing 135, Biratnagar Kings never got going, thanks to a sensational bowling display from the Lions. Ruben Trumpelmann and Sher Malla tore through the top order, reducing the Kings to 6/3 early in the innings. Martin Guptill, Faf du Plessis, and Lokesh Bam were all dismissed cheaply, with Bam getting a first-ball duck. JJ Smit struck at a crucial moment to remove Sam Heazlett, leaving the remainder of the batting lineup facing a steep uphill task.
The Lions’ spin duo of Tilak Bhandari and Abhishesh Gautam maintained tight control in the middle overs, not allowing any batsman to settle. Bhandari finished with 3 wickets, while Trumpelmann, Gautam and Smit claimed 2 wickets each, sealing the comprehensive win for Lumbini.
Earlier, Biratnagar’s bowlers, including Subash Bhandari, captain Sandeep Lamichhane, and Pratish GC, had put Lumbini under pressure in the first innings. Bhandari took 3 wickets for 16 runs in 4 overs, GC also claimed 3 wickets for 25 runs, and Lamichhane grabbed 2 wickets for 18 runs, keeping the Lions’ innings in check at crucial stages.
With this win, Lumbini Lions advance to the NPL final, where they will face Sudurpashchim Royals for the championship. The match highlighted Lumbini’s balanced performance with both bat and ball, and their ability to perform under pressure, giving them a confident edge heading into the final.
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