Lumbini Lions Into Qualifier 2 After Eliminator Win

Kirtipur, 11 December 2025 – Lumbini Lions sealed their place in Qualifier 2 of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2025 after defeating Kathmandu Gorkhas in the Eliminator at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground. Chasing a modest total of 112, the Lions completed the job at 112/6 in 17.4 overs, ending Kathmandu’s campaign and keeping their title hopes alive.

Image: Nepal Premier League | CAN

Kathmandu’s Collapse Sets Up a Modest Target

After winning the toss and opting to bat, Kathmandu Gorkhas struggled early. They were reduced to 29/4 inside six overs during a brutal powerplay. Late resistance from Santosh Yadav (23 off 17) and Mohammad Aadil Alam (18 off 11, two sixes) helped lift the team toward a defendable total, but the Lions’ bowling attack regularly struck to keep the target manageable. Kathmandu eventually posted 111 in 19.1 overs, falling short on a day that promised more.

Lions’ Composed Chase

Lumbini Lions approached the chase with patience and precision. They reached 29/1 in the powerplay and 49/2 at drinks (10 overs), keeping the required run rate under control.

• D’Arcy Short (33 off 34) anchored the innings at the top,
• Sundeep Jora (23 off 23) and Rohit Paudel (18 off 25) contributed crucial middle-order support.

The Lions crossed 100 in 16.4 overs and finished comfortably in 17.4 overs, with JJ Smit (0)* and Ruben Trumpelmann (5)* at the crease at the end.

Next Up: Qualifier 2

With this victory, Lumbini Lions advance to Qualifier 2 on December 11 at 4:00 PM, where a place in the NPL final will be at stake. Kathmandu Gorkhas, under Monty Desai, bow out after a season that had shown promise but ultimately fell short in the knockout stage.

Umpiring Controversies Add Drama

The Eliminator match also featured several contentious umpiring decisions, becoming a talking point for fans and teams alike. Controversies included a no-ball, a dead-ball call, and, most notably, the dismissal of D’Arcy Short. Short appeared to be hit on the arm before being adjudged caught behind, sparking visible frustration from the Kathmandu camp and sections of the crowd. These moments added extra edge to an already high-stakes knockout contest.