Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Lumbini Lions set a date with Sudurpashchim Royals in the final of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) with a convincing 40-run victory over Biratnagar Kings in Qualifier 2 at the TU International Cricket Ground on Thursday.
Batting first, Lumbini scored 134 runs for the loss of eight wickets. Biratnagar faltered in their chase of the modest total and were bowled out for just 94 runs in 17.5 overs.
Although Lumbini lost opener Dinesh Adhikari (1) early, their top order stabilised the innings. D’Arcy Short scored 45 off 41 balls, while captain Rohit Paudel contributed 34 off 30 balls, and Niroshan Dickwella added 29 off 22 balls. However, the middle and lower orders offered little resistance, with only Ruben Trumpelmann (8*) reaching double figures.
Subash Bhandari and Pratish GC claimed three wickets each to restrict Lumbini to a modest total, while captain Sandeep Lamichhane picked up two wickets.
Biratnagar made a mess of the chase, losing their top three batters with just six runs on the board. Lokesh Bam fell for a duck, while Martin Guptill and Faf du Plessis managed only 2 and 3 runs respectively. Sam Heazlett (34 off 28) provided some resistance, and although Marchant de Lange (17) and Narent Bhatta (21) attempted to stabilise the innings, they lacked support from the other end.
Tilak Bhandari bowled a superb spell of 3/15 from his allotted four overs, while Trumpelmann, JJ Smit, and Abhishesh Gautam picked up two wickets each.
Biratnagar, who lost only two matches in the league stage, were defeated in both their playoff fixtures. They had earlier lost to Sudurpashchim Royals in Qualifier 1.
Lumbini, on the other hand, won both their playoff matches to advance to the final, having defeated Kathmandu Gorkhas in the Eliminator on Wednesday.
