KATHMANDU: Defending champions Lumbini Lions have become the first team to secure a place in the playoffs of the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL).
Lumbini booked their playoff berth with a match to spare after defeating Karnali Yaks by six wickets in a low-scoring encounter on Thursday.
Chasing a target of 106 runs set by Karnali, Lumbini reached 106/4 in 16.4 overs, winning the match with 20 balls remaining.
With the victory, Lumbini climbed to the top of the standings with nine points from six matches. They will face Biratnagar Kings in their final league-stage fixture.
Meanwhile, Karnali’s hopes of reaching the playoffs have suffered a setback following their fourth consecutive defeat. After winning their opening two matches, Karnali have now lost four games in a row. They remain seventh in the standings with four points from six matches.
Darcy Short was Lumbini’s top scorer with 46 runs, narrowly missing a half-century by four runs. He struck six boundaries and a six off 34 deliveries before being dismissed in the 14th over. Dilip Nath remained unbeaten on 28.
Despite losing wickets early, Short anchored Lumbini’s innings from one end. The team slumped to 19/3 after Asif Poudel and captain Rohit Poudel were dismissed for one run each, while Sandeep Jora departed for four.
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