Lumbini Lions set a target of 135 for Biratnagar Kings (photos)

KATHMANDU: Despite a solid half-century stand between captain Rohit Paudel and DRC Shot, the Lumbini Lions failed to post a big total against the Biratnagar Kings in Qualifier 2 of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) at TU Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, on Thursday.

After winning the toss, Biratnagar skipper Sandeep Lamichhane invited Lumbini to bat first. Lumbini managed only 134/8 in their allotted 20 overs, struggling to accelerate after losing early wickets.

Dinesh Adhikari fell for just 1 in the second over, but Rohit Paudel and D’Arcy Short rebuilt the innings with a 69-run partnership off 54 balls for the second wicket.

Rohit scored 30 off 30 with two fours and a six before being bowled by Subash Bhandari.

Shot top-scored with a composed 45 off 41 balls, hitting three boundaries and one six. However, his dismissal—also to Bhandari—triggered a collapse.

Sundeep Jora and JJ Smit were both dismissed for ducks, and Dilip Nath departed for just 1 as Biratnagar seized control of the match.

Sher Malla added 7 runs, while Ruben Trumpelmann (11*) and Abhishek Gautam (2*) remained unbeaten at the end.

Biratnagar’s bowling unit delivered impressively, led by Subash Bhandari and Pratish GC with 3 wickets each.

Bhandari was exceptional, conceding just 14 runs in 4 overs, validating the team’s decision to bring him back into the XI.

Pratish gave away 27 runs from his 4 overs, while Lamichhane kept things tight with 2 wickets for 18.

Biratnagar had suffered a heavy 77-run defeat to Sudurpaschim Royals in Qualifier 1, whereas Lumbini had advanced by defeating Kathmandu Gorkhas by 4 wickets in the Eliminator.

The winner of this match will face Sudurpaschim Royals in the NPL final on Saturday.

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