Lumbini Lions secured top spot and a place in the first qualifier of Nepal Premier League season 3 after beating Biratnagar Kings by four wickets with one ball remaining. Biratnagar’s defeat also confirmed NPL playoff places for Kathmandu Gorkhas and Chitwan Rhinos, while ending their own qualification hopes.
How Lumbini Won the Final-Over Contest
D’Arcy Short and Aasif Sheikh scored 45 each, building an 86-run opening partnership. But Aparajit Paudel’s consecutive dismissals of Niroshan Dickwella and Dilip Nath put Lumbini under pressure.
Ali Sheikh and Sandeep Jora then added 42 for the sixth wicket. With 16 needed from the final over, Ali hit a six off Rupesh Singh’s opening no-ball. After Ali fell for 27, Ruben Trumpelmann struck the winning six. Jora finished unbeaten on 25.
That opening no-ball was a brutal mistake: it handed Lumbini runs and an extra delivery when Biratnagar had almost no margin for error.
NPL Playoff Picture: What Happens Next?
- Lumbini Lions: Top spot secured; through to the first qualifier.
- Kathmandu Gorkhas: Playoff berth secured; victory over Pokhara Avengers would seal a first-qualifier place.
- Chitwan Rhinos: Qualified before their remaining fixture against Karnali Yaks.
- Biratnagar Kings: Eliminated following the defeat.
The remaining league fixtures are Karnali against Chitwan, followed by Kathmandu against Pokhara. Both Karnali and Pokhara are already out of playoff contention.
Bottom Line
Kathmandu’s job is not finished. Qualification is secured, but beating Pokhara would deliver the more valuable outcome: a place alongside Lumbini in the first qualifier.
FAQ
Did Lumbini qualify for the NPL final?
No. Lumbini reached the first qualifier, not the final.
Why did Kathmandu and Chitwan qualify?
Biratnagar’s defeat confirmed their playoff places before their final league matches.
Who hit Lumbini’s winning shot?
Ruben Trumpelmann hit a six, completing the victory with one ball remaining.