Post Report

Kathmandu, DEC 5

Lumbini Lions became the fourth and final team to secure a playoff berth in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2025 after defeating defending champions Janakpur Bolts by four wickets at the TU International Cricket Ground on Friday.

With this result, the playoff hopes of Janakpur, Chitwan Rhinos and Pokhara Avengers have come to an end. Karnali Yaks had already been eliminated earlier in the league stage.

Sudurpaschim Royals, Kathmandu Gorkhas and Biratnagar Kings had booked their playoff spots earlier, with Sudurpaschim topping the table to qualify directly for Qualifier 1. Sudurpaschim lead with 12 points, followed by Kathmandu with 10 points, while Biratnagar and Lumbini are tied on eight points each. The remaining league fixtures will determine the final playoff seeding.

Chasing a target of 133, Lumbini reached 136 for six in 19.1 overs. Dilip Nath remained unbeaten on 15, while Ruben Trumpelmann finished with six not out to guide their side home.

Opener Sumit Maharjan was dismissed for a golden duck, bowled by Sangeeth Cooray, who struck again to remove D’Arcy Short lbw for a quick 30 off 24 balls, including a four and two sixes. Captain Rohit Paudel contributed a steady 34 off 32 before falling to Mayan Yadav. Sandeep Jora departed without scoring, and JJ Smit added 21 off 19. Cooray was Janakpur’s standout bowler with figures of 3 for 25.

Earlier, Janakpur, opting to bat first after winning the toss, posted 132 for six in 20 overs—an underwhelming total for a must-win match. Cooray top-scored with 45 off 38 balls, striking two fours and a six. Opener Maaz Sadaqat managed only six, while Aasif Sheikh added 20 off 17 deliveries. Anil Sah fell for seven, Subash Khakurel scored 11, and Sanjay Krishnamurthi made 14. Mayan Yadav chipped in with 27 late in the innings.

Lumbini’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance. Sher Malla took two wickets for 20 runs, and skipper Rohit Paudel claimed two for just 15, helping restrict the defending champions to a manageable total.

Lumbini’s victory not only confirmed their place in the playoffs but also ended Janakpur’s title defence.