KATHMANDU, Dec 10: Kathmandu Gorkhas have posted a modest target of 112 runs for Lumbini Lions in the Eliminator match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL).
Choosing to bat first after winning the toss at TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Kathmandu were bowled out for just 111 runs in 19.1 overs, struggling against Lumbini’s disciplined bowling attack.
Kathmandu had a disastrous start, losing their top four batters with only 14 runs on the board. Openers Aakash Tripathi (1), Sunny Patel (7), Milind Kumar (2) and Ben Charlesworth (4) departed cheaply, putting the team under severe pressure.
Kathmandu Gurkhas set 112 runs target for Chitwan Rhinos in NPL
Bhim Sharki and Jon Simpson attempted to rebuild the innings, but Lumbini captain Rohit Paudel dismissed both in the 10th over. Simpson made 18 runs while Sharki added 14.
Lower-order batters Santosh Yadav and Mohammad Adil Alam played aggressively to push the total past 100. Yadav top-scored with 23, while Alam smashed 18 runs off 11 balls, hitting two sixes and a four. Captain Karan KC contributed 9 runs.
Lumbini’s bowlers impressed with a tight and attacking spell. Sher Malla and Rohit Paudel took three wickets each, Ruben claimed two, and Abhisek took one.
The winner of this match will face Biratnagar in the second qualifier for a place in the final, while the losing team will be eliminated from the tournament.
