Lumbini Lions’ hopes of making it to the Nepal Premier League (NPL) playoffs were dashed after a defeat to Kathmandu Gurkhas at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground on Monday. The victory has strengthened Kathmandu’s chances of advancing to the playoffs.

Batting first, Kathmandu were bowled out for a modest 103 runs, with Bhim Sharki top-scoring with 31 runs off 40 balls. Pratik Shrestha added 20 runs from 14 balls, while Dan Douthwaite contributed 21 runs. Other batters, including Stephen Eskinazi (13 runs), Gerhard Erasmus (1 run), and Rashid Khan (1 run), failed to impress. Dipesh Kandel remained unbeaten on 0 as Kathmandu’s innings ended in 19.4 overs.

Lumbini’s bowlers were in fine form, with Saad Bin Zafar taking 3 wickets, while Ramon Simmons and Abhishek Gautam bagged 2 each. Surya Tamang and Bibek Yadav picked up one wicket apiece.

Chasing a modest target, Lumbini’s batting line-up collapsed under pressure. Captain Rohit Paudel managed only 8 runs off 15 balls, while Unmukt Chand (14 runs), Tom Moores (6 runs), and Arjun Saud (3 runs) struggled to build partnerships. Despite Sandeep Jora’s 26 runs off 29 balls, Lumbini were bowled out for just 91 runs, falling short by 12 runs.

Kathmandu’s Karan KC was the star bowler, claiming 4 wickets. Dipesh Kandel took 3 wickets, while Rashid Khan and Gerhard Erasmus added 1 wicket each.

This result eliminates Lumbini Lions from playoff contention, as they have just 2 points from six matches. In contrast, Kathmandu Gurkhas now have 4 points from four matches, keeping their playoff hopes alive.