Lumbini Lions take toll of relentless schedule, finish last in the standings

Kathmandu, Dec. 14: It was Biratnagar Kings’ third game of the Nepal Premier League on December 4 when they faced Lumbini Lions for their first game of the inaugural season. And when Biratnagar played their sixth game on Friday, Lumbini played their final seventh game and exited the league-stage campaign first.

Before Lumbini debuted as the last team on Match Day 4, Janakpur Bolts, Kathmandu Gurkhas and Chitwan Rhinos had played two games each as well. Lumbini Lions then had fixtures on December 6, 7, 8, 10 and 11 before facing Karnali Yaks on December 13; December 9 was a rest day for all teams. 

Led by skipper Rohit Kumar Paudel, Lumbini, in their first game, had posted the highest target of the NPL so far. But it was chased by the Kings with one ball remaining.

“It will be an intense tournament for us as we have regular games despite starting last. But we will be looking to win the upcoming games,” said Paudel in the post-match conference after the loss to Biratnagar.

Nine days later, on December 13, Lumbini lost their final game of the league, their sixth loss of the tournament, to Karnali Yaks. Karnali cemented their chance for the playoffs defeating Lumbini by 5 runs while defending 129.

Lumbini had elected to field first and restricted Karnali to 128 runs in the loss of eight wickets. However, they could not chase the paltry, a result that was visible after Tom Moores departed as the sixth wicket in 17.5 overs leaving the team at 114/6.

Lumbini’s lower order could not add 15 off the last 13 deliveries despite losing only one wicket; they ended the chase at 123/7.

Zeeshan Maqsood bagged two for Karnali while Sompal Kami, Nandan Yadav, Bipin Sharma and William Bosisto took one each. It was Mayan who defended nine runs in the last over.

Similarly, Bosisto was the highest scorer for Karnali. A wicket and a knock of 44 of 30 earned him the Player of the Match award. 

Bikash Aagri’s 14/3 in two overs was fruitful for Lumbini but Abhishesh Gautam giving only 11 runs in four overs was a sight to behold. Yet, the bowling efforts could not be capitalised by the batting order of Lumbini.

Biratnagar’s slim chance

Biratnagar Kings registered their second win in six matches of the NPL when they defeated Chitwan Rhinos by 51 runs at TU International Cricket Ground.

Batting first, only Martin Guptill could challenge the bowlers of Chitwan while the other top four batsmen departed for paltry. 

Rijan Dhakal’s left-handed pace surprised Lokesh Bam and Dipak Bohara in the very first over. Scott Edwards departed for a duck in the second over and Nicholas Kirton followed him in the 7th leaving Biratnagar at 33/4.

However, Guptill, who smashed four sixes and a four with a hurt leg, kept Biratnagar’s scorecard ticking until in-at-six and -seven, Basir Ahamad and Rajesh Pulami, took the helm. 

Ahamad, with four sixes and four fours, and Pulami, with three sixes and a four, stayed not out at 68 off 44 and 33 off 20 respectively and took the team’s total to 181/5.

Guptill and Ahamad had been dropped once each by Kushal Malla and Sohail Tanvir respectively. Biratnagar responded kindly to the drops as they dropped more while defending.

Despite poor fielding, Biratnagar’s bowlers were able to keep the top order – Santosh Karki (28 off 25), Hassan Eisakhil (5 off 6), Ravi Bopara (20 off 24) and Malla (25 off 25) – of Chitwan under control. 

Amar Routela scored 42 off 29 but his sole effort was insufficient for Chitwan to chase 182 against Biratnagar’s balanced combination of pace and spin bowlers.

Sandeep Lamichhane bagged two wickets on Friday while Chris Sole, Ahamad, Subash Bhandari and Bam took one each. 

With the win, Biratnagar has climbed to 5th position, a seat that will change after the first game on Saturday, December 14. The winner of Pokhara Avengers vs Kathmandu Gurkhas, both with 4 points in 5 games, will claim the 5th position, or even best the fourth-positioned Chitwan (6 points from 6 games) on net run rate. 

Chitwan and Janakpur will also be ending their league campaign on Saturday when they meet in the second match of the day. Janakpur will be a tough opponent for Chitwan and if Chitwan loses, it will increase Biratnagar’s chance for the playoffs.

Yet, Biratnagar will require Kathmandu and Pokhara to lose their respective final matches if they wish to not end their campaign after the league stage. Biratnagar and Kathmandu are playing their seventh game on Sunday.