Lumbini Lions edge Pokhara to keep playoff hopes alive

By A Staff Reporter.Kathmandu, Nov. 30: Lumbini Lions managed to keep their hopes of reaching the playoffs alive with a dramatic 3-wicket victory over Pokhara Avengers in the Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League (NPL) at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground on Saturday.

In a must-win match after a challenging start to their campaign, Lumbini chased down the target of 151 runs set by Pokhara with just two balls to spare, finishing at 151/7 in 19.4 overs. This vital win saw Lumbini rise to fifth place on the points table, with four points from five matches, giving them a chance to break into the top four as the tournament progresses.

Lumbini’s captain, Rohit Poudel, was named Player of the Match for his composed knock of 40 runs. Sri Lankan debutant Niroshan Dickwella also played a key role, contributing 37 runs, while Sandeep Jora, who was at the crease when victory was in sight, hit an unbeaten 25 runs off 22 balls, including two crucial boundaries in the final over. With 10 runs required from the last over, Jora’s calmness under pressure secured Lumbini’s second victory of the tournament.

Despite the loss, Pokhara’s chances of making the playoffs remain intact, although their path has become more difficult. With just two points from four matches, Pokhara will need to win their remaining fixtures to stay in contention.

Earlier, Pokhara won the toss and opted to bat first but struggled initially, losing key wickets early. Captain Kushal Bhurtel was dismissed for a golden duck, while opener Dinesh Kharel also fell cheaply. However, a splendid 92-run partnership between Adam Rossington (81 runs from 63 balls) and James Neesham (51 not out from 32 balls) brought Pokhara back into the game. Rossington hit seven fours and five sixes, while Neesham’s knock was studded with three fours and three sixes.

The Avengers ended their 20 overs on 150/5, a score that ultimately proved just short of what they needed to defend.

Lumbini’s bowlers put in a disciplined performance, with Sher Malla and Tilak Bhandari taking two wickets each, while Gulbadin Naib claimed one. The chase wasn’t without its challenges, as Pokhara’s bowlers, led by Bipin Khatri, Matt Taylor, and Sagar Dhakal (all with two wickets), kept the pressure on throughout. But Jora’s late fireworks, along with solid contributions from Poudel and Dickwella, saw Lumbini through to a vital victory.

The victory has breathed new life into Lumbini’s playoff aspirations, while Pokhara will need to regroup and come up with a better performance in their remaining matches if they are to stay in the hunt for a top-four finish.