Kathmandu: The second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) T20 has entered an exciting stage with four teams confirmed for the playoffs. Lumbini Lions secured the final playoff spot after defeating defending champions Janakpur Bolts in the last league-stage match.

Lumbini Lions Secure Playoff Berth
Lumbini Lions, who had finished last in the inaugural edition, made a strong comeback this season by earning a 4-wicket victory over Janakpur. Chasing 133 runs, Lumbini reached the target in 19 overs, losing six wickets.

Captain Rohit Paudel top-scored with 34 runs off 32 balls, while D’Arcy Short contributed 30 runs off 24 balls. Earlier, Lumbini’s bowlers performed well, with Rohit Paudel and Sher Malla taking two wickets each.

Janakpur’s Batting Effort and Leadership Shuffle
Batting first, Janakpur Bolts posted 132/6. Sangeeth Korre remained unbeaten with 45 runs off 38 balls, and Mayan Yadav added an unbeaten 27 off 23.

Janakpur's season has taken an unusual turn with the team appointing its third captain of the edition. In this match, Nicole Loftie-Eaton led the side, following previous captains Anil Kumar Sah and Wayne Parnell—a first in NPL history to have three captains in a single season.

Points Table: Sudurpaschim Unbeaten on Top

The eight-team league has produced intense competition. Only Sudurpaschim Royals remain unbeaten, sitting at the top with 12 points after winning all five matches.
-Kathmandu Gorkhas hold second place with 10 points from seven matches.
-Biratnagar Kings are third with 8 points from six matches.
-Lumbini Lions, also on 8 points, secured fourth place but with seven matches played.
These four teams have sealed their places in the playoffs.

Teams Eliminated from Playoff Contention

The remaining teams are now out of the playoff race:
-Pokhara Avengers – 5th place, 4 points (6 matches)
-Chitwan Rhinos – 6th place, 4 points (6 matches)
-Karnali Yaks – 7th place, 2 points (6 matches)
-Janakpur Bolts – 8th place, 2 points (6 matches)

With the league stage concluded, the NPL heads into its knockout phase, promising more competitive and high-energy cricket in the coming days.