Lumbini Lions through to playoffs, Janakpur Bolts NPL run ends (photos)
The match, played at TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, saw Lumbini successfully chase Janakpur’s target of 133 runs in 19.1 overs at the loss of six wickets.
KATHMANDU: Lumbini Lions sealed their place in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) playoffs after defeating defending champions Janakpur Bolts by four wickets in the final league match held on Friday.
With this result, Janakpur’s campaign ended in the league stage, while the four playoff teams have now been confirmed.
Sudurpaschim Royals, Kathmandu Gorkhas, Biratnagar Kings and Lumbini Lions finished in the top four positions of the points table to advance to the playoffs.
The final playoff matchups, however, are yet to be finalized.
The match, played at TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, saw Lumbini successfully chase Janakpur’s target of 133 runs in 19.1 overs at the loss of six wickets.
Captain Rohit Paudel led from the front for Lumbini with a composed 34 off 32 balls, hitting two fours and a six. D’Arcy Short contributed 30 off 24 balls, while JJ Smit added 21 from 19 deliveries.
For Janakpur, Sangeeth Cooray was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets. Mayan Yadav took two wickets and Sanjay Krishnamurthy added one.
Earlier, after winning the toss and opting to bat, Janakpur posted 132 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs.
Sangeeth Cooray top-scored with an unbeaten 45 off 38 balls, including two fours and one six.
Mayan Yadav made 27 off 23 balls, while opener Aasif Sheikh contributed 20 from 17 deliveries.
Lumbini’s bowling unit performed collectively, with skipper Rohit Paudel and Sher Malla taking two wickets each.
Ruben Trumpelmann and JJ Smit claimed one wicket apiece.
The second season of the NPL is being held entirely at the TU Ground, with matches taking place in both day and night sessions.
The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has been selling 9,450 tickets for each game.
The tournament, which began on Mangsir 1, will run until Mangsir 27.
The NPL features 32 matches, including league games, three playoff fixtures, and the final.
For Saturday’s match, ticket prices have been set at Rs 500 for general and Rs 1,500 for premium.
On league days, tickets cost Rs 500 and Rs 1,000, while playoff matches will cost Rs 1,000 (general) and Rs 2,000 (premium).
Eight franchise teams—Janakpur Bolts, Sudurpaschim Royals, Karnali Yaks, Pokhara Avengers, Biratnagar Kings, Chitwan Rhinos, Kathmandu Gorkhas and Lumbini Lions—are competing in this year’s tournament.
Lumbini Lions:
Janakpur Bolts:
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