Kathmandu: Lumbini Lions advanced to Qualifier 2 of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2025 with a 4-wicket victory over Kathmandu Gorkhas at the TU International Cricket Ground. Chasing a modest target of 112, Lumbini reached 113/6 in 17.4 overs.

D’Arcy Short anchored the innings with 33 runs off 34 balls, while Sundeep Jora added a steady 23 from 23 deliveries. Captain Rohit Paudel and Niroshan Dickwella contributed 18 and 14 runs respectively to guide the team home.

Kathmandu Restricted to 111
Earlier, Kathmandu Gorkhas, opting to bat first, were bowled out for just 111 runs in 19.1 overs. Santosh Yadav top-scored with 23 off 17 balls, while John Simpson and Mohammad Aadil Alam chipped in with 18 runs each. Bhim Sharki added 14 runs but wickets fell at regular intervals.

Lumbini’s Bowlers Shine
Lumbini’s bowling attack dominated the innings, with Sher Malla delivering a standout performance. He claimed 3 wickets for 22 runs in his four overs, earning him the Player of the Match award. Skipper Rohit Paudel also picked up 3 wickets, while Ruben Trumpelmann took 2.

For Kathmandu, Santosh Yadav managed 2 wickets, and Karan KC, Sunny Patel, Shahab Alam, and Rashid Khan picked up one each.

Road Ahead in the Playoffs
With this victory, Lumbini Lions will take on Biratnagar Kings in Qualifier 2 on Tuesday at the same venue. Biratnagar earlier suffered a 77-run defeat to Sudurpaschim Kings in Qualifier 1.

Sudurpaschim have already secured their place in the final and will meet the winner of tomorrow’s Qualifier 2 clash. The final is scheduled for Saturday at the TU International Cricket Ground.