The Lumbini Lions booked their place in the NPL 2025 final after a strong 40-run win over the Biratnagar Kings in Qualifier 2 at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. With this victory, they set up a title clash against the Sudurpashchim Royals.

Match Scorecard Snapshot

Highlights of the Match

Lions’ Innings (134/8)

• Biratnagar Kings captain Sandeep Lamichhane won the toss and chose to bowl.
• Lumbini had a shaky start, but captain Rohit Paudel (34) and D’Arcy Short steadied the innings with a crucial 69-run stand.
• Short top-scored with a composed 45 off 41 balls.
• The middle order couldn’t capitalize on the partnership, keeping the total to a modest 134.

Biratnagar’s Best Bowlers:

• Subash Bhandari: 3/14
• Pratis GC: 3/27
• Sandeep Lamichhane: 2 wickets

Kings’ Chase (94 all out)

• The Kings needed 135 to win but never settled into the chase.
• Their batting lineup collapsed under steady pressure from the Lions’ bowlers.
• Early reports indicate they struggled throughout and were bowled out for just 94.

Lumbini’s Best Bowlers:

• Tilak Bhandari: 3 wickets
• Ruben Trumpelmann: 2 wickets
• Abhishesh Gautam: 2 wickets

Result

Lumbini Lions won by 40 runs.
They move on to the NPL 2025 Final, where they will face the top-ranked Sudurpashchim Royals on Saturday.

Also Read:

• NPL 2025: Lumbini Lions Roar into Qualifier 2, Eliminate Kathmandu Gorkhas