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    Lumbini Seal NPL Playoff Spot With a Game to Spare

    A

    Ajay Shrestha

    2 min read

    Lumbini Lions celebrating NPL playoff qualification at Kirtipur, with a graphic highlighting their four-wicket win over Karnali Yaks

    Defending champions Lumbini Lions secured an NPL playoff spot with a four-wicket victory over Karnali Yaks at TU International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur. They became the first team to qualify in Nepal Premier League Season 3, reaching nine points with one league match remaining.

    By Ajay Shrestha | Futsal House

    Lumbini vs Karnali: Short Makes the Difference

    Karnali were bowled out for 105 in 19.2 overs after choosing to bat. Their innings unravelled early at 15/4; Sompal Kami’s 28 and Hussain Talat’s 24 provided limited recovery.

    Darcy Short, Rohit Paudel, Kishor Mahato and Abhishesh Gautam took two wickets each for Lumbini.

    Short then scored 46 off 34 balls, including six fours and a six, as Lumbini reached their 106-run target in 16.4 overs.

    Darcy Short batting against Karnali Yaks at Kirtipur, with a compact graphic showing 46 runs from 34 balls

    Mark Watt kept Karnali competitive with 4/11 and a maiden. Lumbini nevertheless won with 20 balls remaining.

    My verdict: calling this a comfortable chase would flatter Lumbini’s batting. They lost six wickets pursuing just 106, with Aasif Sheikh and captain Paudel contributing one run each.

    NPL Playoff Race: What Happens Next?

    • Lumbini: Four wins, one defeat and one shared result put them top on nine points. They face Biratnagar Kings on Saturday, targeting a top-two finish and a place in the first qualifier.
    • Karnali: Four consecutive defeats leave them seventh with four points. They must beat Chitwan Rhinos on Sunday and rely on other results.
    • Pokhara Avengers: A four-wicket defeat to Biratnagar ended their playoff hopes after five losses in six matches.

    Bottom Line

    Lumbini’s qualification is settled; their final league position is not. Short’s two wickets and match-leading 46 drove this win, but losing six wickets against a modest target leaves a clear batting concern before the playoffs.

    FAQ

    Have Lumbini secured a top-two finish?

    No. They have secured a playoff berth, with a top-two finish still their next objective.

    Can Karnali Yaks still qualify?

    Yes, but beating Chitwan alone will not be enough. Other results must also favour them.

    Who are Lumbini’s final league opponents?

    Lumbini face Biratnagar Kings on Saturday.