Kathmandu, Nov 14: Defending champions Lumbini Lions have secured their place in the first qualifier of the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) after defeating Biratnagar Kings by four wickets on Saturday night.
The victory also confirmed Lumbini’s place at the top of the league standings, while the defeat ended Biratnagar’s playoff hopes.
Chasing a target of 167 runs, Lumbini reached 168/5 in 19.5 overs to seal a crucial victory. Openers D’Arcy Short and Aasif Sheikh led the chase with identical contributions of 45 runs each.
Ali Sheikh added 27 runs, while Sundeep Jora scored 25. Captain Rohit Paudel contributed nine runs, and Rubin Trumpelmann remained unbeaten on six to guide Lumbini home.
For Biratnagar, Arpit Paudel claimed two wickets, while Charith Asalanka and Rupesh Singh picked up one wicket each.
Earlier, after being put in to bat at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Biratnagar posted 166/4 in their allotted 20 overs.
Charith Asalanka top-scored with 64 runs off 43 deliveries, including six sixes and a boundary. Shubham Ranjane remained unbeaten on 31, while Imran Sheikh scored 24 and Lokesh Bam added 15 runs.
For Lumbini, Kishore Mahato was the pick of the bowlers, claiming two wickets for 24 runs in his four overs. Rubin Trumpelmann and Abhishek Gautam took one wicket apiece.
With this victory, Lumbini finished the league stage at the top of the table with 11 points from seven matches, securing direct qualification for the first qualifier.
Meanwhile, Biratnagar finished fifth with six points from seven matches, bringing their NPL campaign to an end.
