Lumbini Lions defeated Biratnagar Kings by five wickets in the Nepal Premier League match at the TU International Cricket Stadium in Kirtipur on Wednesday. Lumbini reached the 145-run target set by Biratnagar with 14 balls to spare.

Lumbini have kept their hopes of reaching the playoffs alive by securing a third victory in the six matches of the tournament. Lumbini are currently in fourth place with six points. They can only secure a playoff spot if they defeat Janakpur Bolts in their final match. This is Biratnagar’s second loss in six games.

With eight points, Biratnagar are currently in third place and will play their final match against Sudurpashchim Royals on Saturday.

Earlier, Biratnagar Kings posted 144-8 in their 20 overs after winning the toss.

George Munsey fell for a duck in the second ball, and Faf du Plessis managed 12 off nine balls before the former South African skipper was out. Lokesh Bam anchored the innings with 35 off 42 deliveries, while Sam Heazlett contributed 27 off 20 balls. Basir Ahamad’s 28 off 19 and Pratis GC’s 11 off nine provided late impetus. Sandeep Lamichhane (6) and Marchant de Lange (10) finished unbeaten.

Sher Malla led the Lumbini attack with three wickets, while Ruben Trumpelmann, Johannes Jonathan Smit and Abhishesh Gautam took a wicket each.

In response, Lumbini’s chase was powered by D’Arcy Short, who smashed 57 off 44 balls, including six fours and two sixes. Sundeep Jora played aggressively for 24 off 15, while Sumit Maharjan and Rohit Paudel fell cheaply in the early overs, leaving Short to rebuild the innings. Niroshan Dickwella remained unbeaten on 29, and Dilip Nath scored 16 off 12 to guide the team to victory.

Subash Bhandari and Lamichhane took two wickets each. Marchant de Lange conceded 34 runs in four overs, Pratis GC was hit for 28 runs, and Basir Ahamad took a wicket.