The Lumbini Lions’ campaign in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) came to an end with a narrow 5-run loss against the Karnali Yaks in their final match.
Despite being in a commanding position, Lumbini stumbled in the final overs and were forced to concede defeat. The turning point came in the 18.1st over when batter Saad Bin Zafar was run out in unfortunate fashion, shifting the momentum in Karnali’s favor. In the last over, Lumbini needed 9 runs to secure victory, but right-arm pacer Nandan Yadav delivered a tight spell, conceding only 3 runs. With 6 runs required off the final ball, Lumbini’s Tilak Bhandari played a dot ball, sealing the win for Karnali.
This victory has brought Karnali Yaks closer to securing a playoff spot.
Earlier, Lumbini won the toss and opted to field, setting a target of 129 runs for themselves. However, they could only manage 123/7 in 20 overs.
Tom Moores was the top scorer for Lumbini with 36 runs, while Sandeep Jora contributed 24 runs. Ashutosh Ghiraiya
scored 16 runs, and Arjun Saud added 13 runs. Captain Rohit Paudel was dismissed for 10 runs, and Saad Bin Zafar contributed 16 runs. For Karnali, Zeeshan Maqsood
claimed 2 wickets, while Sompal Kami, Nandan Yadav, William Basisto, and Bipin Sharma picked up a wicket each.
Earlier in the game, Karnali Yaks posted 128/8 in their allotted 20 overs. William Basisto top-scored with 44 runs, followed by Arjun Gharti with 25 runs and Babar Hayat with 20 runs.
For Lumbini, Bikash Agri was the standout bowler, taking 3 wickets, while Tilak Bhandari picked up 2 wickets. Rohit Paudel, Saad Bin Zafar, and Ramon Simmonds chipped in with a wicket each.
This loss marks the end of Lumbini Lions’ journey in the NPL, while Karnali Yaks edge closer to securing a spot in the playoffs.
