NPL: Lumbini Lions faces 133 runs victory target

            Kathmandu, Dec 5: Janakpur Bolts has given a 133-run victory target to Lumbini Lions in the ongoing second edition of Nepal Premier League (NPL).

            In the match going on at Kirtipur-based TU International Cricket Ground today, Janakpur Bolts made 132 runs in 20 overs at the loss of six wickets.

            In the total runs, the highest scorer was Sangeeth Cooray (45), followed by Mayan Yadav (27), Asif Sheikh (20). Lumbini’s Captain Rohit Paudel and Sher Malla took two wickets each.

            Lumbini Lions, which secured six points from six matches, is under duress to achieve next level. Once Lumbini Lions secures playoff spot, Pokhara Avengers, Chitwan Rhinos and Janakpur Bolts will be relegated. Once Janakpur Bolts wins, it will make four points.

            Kathmandu Gorkhas and Biratnagar Kings have already reached playoff status, while Karnali Yaks exited from the series. Unbeaten Sudurpaschim Royals has the highest points, 12, becoming the first team for the qualifier match.

            Eight cricket teams are playing the match in the second edition that began since November 17.

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Lumbini defeat Janakpur by 4 wickets, book a place in the last four

            Lumbini Lions defeated Janakpur bolts by 4 wickets to book a place in play-offs of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), 2025.

            Chasing a modest target 133 runs set for victory, Lumbini achieved in 19.1 overs at the loss of 6 wickets. Captain Rohit Paudel was the top scorer with 34 runs in 32 overs followed by D’Arcy Short who scored 30 runs in 24 overs and JJ Smith contributed 21 runs in 19 balls.

            For the bowling side, Sangeeth Cooray took 3 wickets while Mayan Yadav and Sanjay Krishnamurti took 2 and 1 wicket respectively.

            Earlier batting first after winning the toss, Janakpur scored only 132 runs in the full quota of 20 overs, at the loss of 6 wickets. Sangeeth Cooray scored 45 runs in 38 balls while Mayan Yadav contributed 27 runs in 23 balls. Aasif Sheikh scored 20 runs in 17 runs.

            For Lumbini, player-of-the-match Rohit Paudel and Sher Malla took 2 wickets each while JJ Smit and Ruben Trumpelmann took one wicket each. Following today’s win, Lumbini have climbed to the fourth position with 8 points in 7 matches. In the meanwhile, Janakpur Bolts are out of the contention to the next round, as they suffer 5 loses in 6 match, and only 2 points in the bag.

            Sudurpaschim Royals, Kathmandu Gorkhas and Biratnagar Kings are the other three teams to qualify for the playoffs. Three more matches are left to be played before the qualifiers begin on coming Tuesday. Tomorrow, Biratnagar Kings face Sudurpaschim Royals in the first match while Chitwan Rhinos play Pokhara Avengers in the second match.

            The last group stage match is being played between Janakpur Bolts and Karnali Yaks on Sunday.

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