By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Dec 11, 2025 13:45 PM • 32 views
KIRTIPUR: The Lumbini Lions showed determination and strong defense to beat the Biratnagar Kings by 40 runs in Qualifier 2 of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) on Thursday.
Defending a modest total of 134 at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, the Lions’ bowlers worked together to bowl out Biratnagar for just 94 in 17.5 overs. With this win, Lumbini will face the Sudurpaschim Royals in the final on Saturday for the 2025-26 title.
Turning Point: A Partnership Amidst the Rubble
On a pitch that required careful batting, Lumbini struggled at the start. After being sent in to bat, they lost opener Dinesh Adhikari for a low score, putting pressure on the middle order against Biratnagar’s disciplined bowlers.
Captain Rohit Paudel and Australian international D’Arcy Short steadied the innings with a 69-run partnership for the second wicket. Short, usually known for aggressive batting, played a careful 45 from 41 balls (3 fours, 1 six), while Paudel added an important 30 from 30 balls.
However, after Subash Bhandari (3-14) broke the partnership, the Lions’ middle order collapsed, with Sundeep Jora and JJ Smuts both getting out for zero. Lumbini went from a strong position to finishing at 134/8, which seemed about 20 runs short at the halfway point. Bhandari was the best bowler for the Kings, taking key wickets with his spin, and was well supported by Pratish GC (3-27).
The Chase: Kings Struggle Under Pressure
Chasing 135 for a place in the final, the Biratnagar Kings needed a steady start. Instead, they were rocked by a fiery opening spell from Ruben Trumpelmann. The left-arm seamer removed the dangerous Martin Guptill (2) and Lokesh Bam (0) inside the powerplay, dealing psychological blows from which the Kings never recovered.
Faf du Plessis, a key player for the Kings, scored only three runs before being dismissed by Sher Malla, putting Biratnagar in trouble. Sam Heazlett was the only batter to put up a fight, scoring 34 from 28 balls, but he did not get enough support from the others.
The Lions’ bowlerskept up the pressure, giving away few runs and forcing mistakes. As the required run rate increased, the Kings’ lower order collapsed. Abhishesh Gautam (2-22) and Tilak Bhandari (2-13)took the final wickets, making sure there was no late comeback. The Kings lost their last five wickets for just 30 runs, showing how effective the Lions’ fielding and bowling were.e.
What’s Next The final will take place this Saturday. The Sudurpaschim Royals, who have had time to rest, will play against a Lumbini Lions team that has won two knockout matches in a row. Based on Thursday’s game, the Lions are hitting their best form at the right moment.
