By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Dec 03, 2025 15:30 PM • 34 views
KIRTIPUR — If the Nepal Premier League (NPL) needed a reminder of its unpredictability, the Lumbini Lions delivered it in style on Wednesday. In a contest that pitted the high-flying Biratnagar Kings against a Lions side desperate for momentum, it was the underdogs who held their nerve, chasing down a modest target of 145 with five wickets and 14 balls to spare at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground. The victory was engineered by a clinical bowling display led by Sher Malla and anchored by a composed half-century from Australian marquee D'Arcy D'Arcy Short. For the Kings, who missed a chance to solidify their grip on the top two, this was a stark wake-up call that reputation alone wins no matches on the slowing surfaces of Kirtipur.
Short Anchors the Chase
Chasing 145, the Lions needed stability, and they found it in D'Arcy Short. On a pitch where timing wasn't straightforward, the left-hander showed his class, compiling a match-winning 57 off 44 deliveries. While his opening partner Sumit Maharjan (10) and skipper Rohit Paudel (0) fell inside the powerplay to the wily Subash Bhandari (2/30), Short found an able ally in Sundeep Jora (24 off 15). The duo stabilised the innings, with Jora providing the necessary aggression to keep the required rate in check. The game threatened to turn when Biratnagar captain Sandeep Lamichhane introduced himself into the attack. The leg-spin wizard briefly sparked hope for the Kings, removing Jora and then claiming the prized scalp of Short in the 14th over to finish with figures of 2/20. However, the experienced Niroshan Dickwella (29* off 22) ensured there would be no late twist, guiding the Lions home with a calm head.
Kings' Batting Crumbles Early
Earlier, Lumbini Lions' decision to bowl first was vindicated almost immediately. The Kings' star-studded top order, which has been their engine room all season, misfired spectacularly. George Munsey departed for a duck in the first over, and the departure of Faf du Plessis (8) shortly after left the Kings reeling at 15-2.
The middle order struggled to construct partnerships against a disciplined Lions attack. Lokesh Bam battled hard for his 35 off 42 balls, trying to anchor the innings, while Basir Ahamad injected some late impetus with a brisk 28 off 19 deliveries. However, the Kings never truly broke the shackles.
The standout performer with the ball was undoubtedly Sher Malla. His spell of 3/25 in four overs broke the back of the Kings' batting lineup, ensuring they were restricted to a below-par 144/8. Malla's ability to vary his pace and hit the correct lengths made him a nightmare for the batters on the day.
Analytical Take: A Reality Check for Biratnagar
From an analytical perspective, this loss exposes a potential vulnerability in the Biratnagar Kings' armour: an over-reliance on their foreign top-order recruits. When Munsey and Du Plessis fail, the local middle order is left with too much heavy lifting. Today, they couldn't find the boundary often enough to post a formidable total. For the Lumbini Lions, this win is a lifeline. Languishing in the bottom half of the table coming into this match, they displayed the hunger and tactical discipline of a side fighting for survival. The integration of domestic talent like Sher Malla with international experience like Short and Dickwella finally clicked.
The Road Ahead
The result significantly alters the NPL dynamics. Biratnagar Kings remain in the playoff hunt but will need to regroup quickly to avoid losing momentum at the business end of the tournament. The Lumbini Lions, meanwhile, have proven they can beat the best on their day, a confidence booster that could be pivotal as the race for the eliminator spots heats up.
