KATHMANDU, Dec 11: In the decisive second qualifier of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) for a spot in the final, Lumbini Lions posted a modest target of 135 runs for Biratnagar Kings.
After losing the toss, Lumbini batted first at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, scoring 134 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs.
Lumbini Lions enter NPL’s second qualifier after defeating Kath...
The innings got off to a shaky start as opener Dinesh Adhikari was dismissed for 1 with the score at 8. Captain Rohit Paudel and opener D’Arcy Short then steadied the innings with a strong 69-run partnership for the second wicket. Paudel fell for 34 in the 11.2 over, but Short top-scored with 45 off 41 balls, including three fours and a six.
Middle-order contributions were limited, though Niroshan Dickwella struck 29 off 22 balls with four boundaries. Other batters struggled, with Sandeep Jora (0), JJ Smitt (0), and Dilip Nath (1) falling cheaply, while Ruben Trampelman remained unbeaten on 11.
Lumbini’s total was kept in check thanks to tight bowling from Biratnagar. Suwas Bhandari was the standout, claiming 3 wickets for just 14 runs in 4 overs, dismantling Lumbini’s top and middle order. Pratis Jisi also took 3 wickets for 27 runs in 4 overs, and captain Sandeep Lamichhane picked up 2 wickets for 18 runs. Merchant de Lange was expensive, conceding 37 runs in his 4 overs without a wicket.
Biratnagar Kings now need 135 runs from 20 overs to secure a place in the final against Sudurpashchim Royals.
