Lumbini Lions roar into Qualifier 2 after downing Gorkhas

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Dec. 11: Lumbini Lions booked their place in Qualifier 2 with Biratnagar Kings after defeating Kathmandu Gorkhas by four wickets in the Eliminator of the Nepal Premier League 2025 at TU Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, on Wednesday.

The Lions will now face Biratnagar Kings on Thursday, with the winner advancing to Saturday’s final against Sudurpaschim Royals. Biratnagar were pushed into Qualifier 2 after their heavy defeat to Sudurpaschim in Qualifier 1. Whoever comes through will be the new finalist against the two‑time finalists Sudurpaschim.

The victory also gave Lumbini sweet revenge for their 22‑run loss to Kathmandu in the league stage, as well as their 18‑run defeat to the same side in season one. For Kathmandu, the loss meant a crashing exit from the tournament.

Gorkhas collapse 

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Kathmandu’s batting line‑up crumbled against Lumbini’s spin attack. They were bundled out for a paltry 111 in 19.1 overs – the lowest first‑innings total of NPL season two. Previously, Chitwan Rhinos had managed 120 against Pokhara Avengers.

Sher Malla, skipper Rohit Paudel and Abhisesh Gautam shared seven wickets between them to dismantle the Gorkhas. Namibian pacer Ruben Trumpelmann chipped in with two scalps.

Kathmandu’s top order folded inside the powerplay, losing four wickets for just 14 runs. Akash Tripathi (1) was caught by Paudel in the second over, Sunny Patel (7) was trapped lbw by Trumpelmann, Milind Kumar (2) was bowled by Malla, and Ben Charlesworth (4) fell to Trumpelmann.

Bhim Sharki (14) and John Simpson (18) added 36 for the fifth wicket, but Paudel struck twice in quick succession to remove both. Rashid Khan (2) was then caught by JJ Smit, leaving Kathmandu tottering at 52/7. 

Santosh Yadav top‑scored with 23 off 17 balls, but wickets kept tumbling as Malla bowled Mohammad Aadil Alam (18) and Gautam dismissed skipper Karan KC (9). Santosh was run out as the last man in the 19th over.

Player of the match Malla finished with 3/22, Paudel 3/25, Trumpelmann 2/—, and Gautam 1/—. Malla now has 13 wickets this season, placing him third in the wicket‑takers’ chart behind Abinash Bohara (16) and Sandeep Lamichhane (15).

Lions cross the line

Chasing 112 on a slow surface was not straightforward for Lumbini, who made heavy weather of the target before sealing victory in 17.4 overs with six wickets down.

Opener D’Arcy Short anchored the chase with a steady 33 off 34 balls. Paudel chipped in with 18, Sundeep Jora made a run‑a‑ball 23, and Niroshan Dickwella added 14.

Dinesh Adhikari (4) fell early, holing out to Karan KC in the third over. Paudel and Short steadied the chase, taking the score to 46 before Paudel was bowled by Shahab Alam. Short followed soon after, caught behind by Simpson off Rashid Khan.

Jora and Dickwella added 29 for the fourth wicket, but Jora was bowled by Santosh Yadav with 16 runs still needed. Dilip Nath (7) was trapped lbw in the same over, and Dickwella was bowled by KC at the start of the 18th. With six runs required, Trumpelmann smashed KC to the boundary to seal the win.

Kathmandu had qualified for their first playoff by finishing third in the league with 10 points. Lumbini joined them in the Eliminator after securing fourth place with eight points.