Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Lumbini Lions strengthened their playoff spot hope with a convincing five-wicket victory over Biratnagar Kings in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) on Wednesday.
Sent in to bat first at the TU International Cricket Grounds after losing the toss, Biratnagar posted a modest 144/8 as they struggled to recover from early setbacks. In reply, Lumbini scored 145 with five wickets and 14 balls remaining.
Opener George Munsey departed for a duck in the first over, and their star signing Faf du Plessis managed just 12 off nine balls. Lokesh Bam (35) and Sam Heazlett (27) steadied the innings, while Basir Ahamad contributed a brisk 18 off 10. Pratis GC (11) and Marchant de Lange (10) added useful runs. Other Biratnagar batters failed to reach double digits.
Sher Malla picked up three wickets for Lumbini, while JJ Smit, Abhishesh Gautam, and Ruben Trumpelmann took one wicket apiece.
In reply, Lumbini made a confident start, helped by opener D’Arcy Short’s 57 off 44 balls. Despite losing Sumit Maharjan (10) and captain Rohit Paudel (0) cheaply, the Lions stayed on course as Sundeep Jora (24) and Dilip Nath (16) added valuable contributions. Niroshan Dickwella took Lumbini home with an unbeaten 29 off 22 balls.
The win lifted Lumbini to fourth place with six points from six matches, keeping them firmly in contention for the playoffs. Biratnagar are third with eight points.
Thursday’s Fixtures:
Kathmandu Gorkhas vs Pokhara Avengers
Sudurpashchim Royals vs Chitwan Rhinos
