Kathmandu Gorkhas bounced back emphatically from two consecutive defeats as they overcame Lumbini Lions by 22 runs in their Nepal Premier League (NPL) fixture at the TU International Cricket Ground on Tuesday.

Chasing a target of 158, Lumbini were dismissed for 135 as their batters repeatedly lost patience in the chase.

Earlier, Kathmandu had posted 157 for eight, driven by a composed top-order effort and a late flourish—mirroring the structure of their innings from previous matches.

Opener Aakash Tripathi provided stability with a measured knock, while Rashid Khan added valuable early boundaries. Milind Kumar and Santosh Yadav kept the scoreboard moving in the middle overs, with Yadav striking freely to lift the tempo.

The innings’ decisive moment once again arrived in the death overs, where Kathmandu’s lower-order surge ensured a competitive total. Their bowlers then backed up the effort superbly.

In reply, Lumbini faltered from the outset. Despite a modest required rate, their batters failed to build partnerships, falling to loose strokes and sustained pressure from Kathmandu’s disciplined attack.

Lumbini were eventually bundled out for 135, slumping to their second straight loss of the tournament.

For Kathmandu, the victory comes as a crucial boost after defeats to Biratnagar Kings and Sudurpashchim Royals. Having beaten defending champions Janakpur Bolts in their opening match, the Gorkhas have now reignited their playoff hopes with three league fixtures still to play.

With every side scheduled to play seven matches in the league stage—and four teams set to exit—the mid-table battle has tightened. Five teams have already suffered two defeats each, keeping the race for the playoffs wide open as the competition enters its decisive phase.