The Lumbini Lions secured their place in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2025 playoffs by defeating defending champions Janakpur Bolts by four wickets in a tense, low-scoring encounter at the TU International Cricket Ground today. The defeat officially eliminated the Janakpur Bolts from the tournament, making the match a decisive, season-defining contest.
Bolts Post Modest Total
Winning the toss and electing to bat first, the Janakpur Bolts struggled to post a formidable total against a disciplined Lions bowling attack. Apart from a gritty innings of 45 runs off 38 balls from Sangeeth Cooray and a late push from Mayan Yadav (27 off 23), the Bolts’ batting lineup failed to find momentum. They finished their 20 overs at 132/6, setting the Lions a modest, yet tricky, target of 133 on the Kirtipur surface.
Lions’ bowlers shared the spoils, with both captain Rohit Paudel and Sher Malla claiming two wickets each through tight spells, keeping the pressure on the Janakpur batsmen throughout the innings.
Lions Overcome Mid-Innings Scare
The chase for the Lumbini Lions began on a shaky note when opener Sumit Maharjan was dismissed for a golden duck. However, a steadying partnership between the aggressive D’Arcy Short (30 off 24) and Captain Rohit Paudel (34 off 32) put the Lions back on track, moving the score to 88/4.
The momentum shifted dramatically when Janakpur’s bowling attack mounted a thrilling comeback. The standout bowler for the Bolts, Sangeeth Cooray, struck three vital blows (3/25), including the wicket of Short, and a double-strike from Mayan Yadav briefly brought the defending champions back into the game, leaving the Lions in a precarious position.
Dilip Nath Delivers the Winning Punch
The match was poised for a photo-finish, but a calm and composed partnership in the lower-middle order ensured the Lions held their nerve. The experienced Dilip Nath remained unbeaten, guiding his team home. With the target within reach, Nath sealed the dramatic victory in style, launching a delivery over deep mid-wicket for a massive winning six.
The Lumbini Lions reached the target of 133 with five balls to spare, finishing at 136/6 in 19.1 overs.
The victory was a double celebration for the Lumbini Lions, as it not only secured their vital two points but also confirmed their participation in the NPL 2025 playoffs, while simultaneously ending the campaign of the Janakpur Bolts.
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