Lumbini Lions marched into the Nepal Premier League final after defeating Biratnagar Kings by 40 runs in Thursday’s Qualifier 2, setting up a title showdown against Sudurpashchim Royals on Saturday.

Biratnagar—who had topped the league stage—crashed out after losing both their playoff fixtures, first going down to Sudurpashchim by 77 runs in Qualifier 1 and then failing to chase Lumbini’s modest total.

Earlier, Lumbini had posted 134-8, built around a 69-run second-wicket partnership between skipper Rohit Paudel and D’Arcy Short, after being put in to bat by Biratnagar captain Sandeep Lamichhane.

Chasing 135, Biratnagar never recovered from a disastrous start and were bundled out for 94 in 17.5 overs. Only Sam Heazlett (34 off 28) and Marchant de Lange (17) reached double figures as Lumbini’s bowlers applied relentless pressure from the outset.

Lumbini struck early, removing both openers in the first over—Martin Guptill for two and Lokesh Bam for a duck. The collapse deepened when Faf du Plessis was bowled by Sher Malla for three in the second over, leaving Biratnagar reeling at 28-3 in the powerplay.

Heazlett’s brief resistance ended when he was caught off JJ Smuts, and Basir Ahmad followed soon after, dismissed for three by Tilak Bhandari as Ruben Trumpelmann took a sharp catch. Captain Lamichhane also managed only three before falling to Abhishek Gautam.

Lumbini’s attack shared the spoils: Tilak Bhandari claimed 3 wickets, while Trumpelmann, Smuts and Gautam took two each. Malla added one to complete the demolition.

The Lions had entered Qualifier 2 after defeating Kathmandu Gorkhas by four wickets in Wednesday’s Eliminator. Having finished last in the first NPL season, Lumbini now find themselves in the championship match of Season 2.

The grand final between Lumbini Lions and Sudurpashchim Royals will be played on Saturday.