Changing captains did little to revive Karnali Yaks’ fortunes in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) Season 3 as they suffered a fourth consecutive defeat, losing by six wickets to defending champions Lumbini Lions on Thursday.

South African star batter David Miller took over the captaincy from Sompal Kami, but the change failed to turn around Karnali’s campaign. Lumbini chased down their target in just 16.4 overs after bowling Karnali out for a modest total at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.

Karnali had made an impressive start to the tournament, winning their first two matches. But three successive defeats had put their playoff prospects under pressure, prompting the team to change captains ahead of Thursday’s match.

Opting to bat after winning the toss, Karnali managed just 19.2 overs. Mark Watt led Lumbini’s bowling attack, taking four wickets for 12 runs in his four overs, including a maiden. Pawan Sarraf and Hussain Talat claimed one wicket each.

D’Arcy Short top-scored for Lumbini with 46 off 34 balls, hitting six fours and a six. Aasif Sheikh and captain Rohit Paudel fell for one run each, while Sandeep Jora managed four. Niroshan Dickwella made 16 off 13 balls, including two fours, and Samim Hussain was dismissed for five.

Dilip Nath remained unbeaten on 28 off 27 balls, striking four boundaries, while Ruben Trumpelmann was not out on two.

The victory took Lumbini to nine points from six matches, moving them to the top of the standings and securing their place in the playoffs. Kathmandu Gorkhas and Sudurpaschim Royals are second and third, respectively, with eight points each. The defeat has further complicated Karnali’s chances of making the playoffs.

Karnali had also reshuffled their opening combination, but the changes brought little improvement. Making his first appearance of the tournament, Dipendra Raut lasted just four balls before Abhishek Gautam bowled him. The other opener, Ariful Islam, and Deepak Dumre were both dismissed for four. Gautam also removed Dumre, while Rohit took a fine catch off Kishore Mahato’s bowling to send Ariful back to the pavilion.

Miller came in at number four but fell victim to Lumbini’s sharp fielding. In his first over, Sher Malla induced an edge from the South African, and Trumpelmann took an excellent catch.

Sompal, batting at number six, was Karnali’s leading scorer with 28 off 18 balls, including four fours and a six. Short dismissed him with a catch by Aasif Sheikh at long-on. Short also bowled Pawan Sarraf for 12.

Talat contributed 24 off 22 balls, hitting two fours and a six. Watt made two, Gulshan Jha 13 and Nandan Yadav three.

Gautam returned figures of two for 21 in four overs, while Rohit took two for 12 in three overs. Short claimed two wickets for 13 runs in four overs, and Mahato took two for six in 2.2 overs. Trumpelmann picked up the other wicket.