Lumbini Lions have been eliminated from the playoff race in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) after suffering an 18-run defeat to Kathmandu Gurkhas on Wednesday, December 11 at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. 

With this loss, Lumbini’s chances of progressing were dashed even before their final match.

Lumbini, having played six matches, have secured only one win and five losses, earning just two points on the points table. In contrast, Kathmandu claimed their second victory in four matches, moving to four points and maintaining their playoff hopes.

Chasing a modest target of 104 runs, Lumbini’s batting line-up faltered as they were bowled out for 85 runs in 19.2 overs.

 Sundeep Jora top-scored with 26 runs, while Unmukt Chand and Surya Tamang contributed 14 and 11 not out, respectively. The rest of the batsmen failed to reach double figures, with none of them managing to provide any substantial support.

Kathmandu's bowlers dominated the innings, with captain Karan KC leading the charge, taking 4 wickets. Dipesh Kandel claimed 3 wickets, while Gerhard Erasmus and Rashid Khan took 2 and 1 wickets, respectively.

Earlier, Kathmandu, opting to bat first after winning the toss, posted a modest total of 103 runs in 19.2 overs. 

Bhim Sharki was the top scorer with 31 runs off 40 balls. However, the rest of the batting order struggled, with Stephen Eskinazi making 13, Michael Levitt dismissed for a duck, Gerhard Erasmus managing only 1, and Rashid Khan adding just 1. Despite useful knocks from Dan Douthwaite (21), Pratik Shrestha (20), and Karan KC (1), Kathmandu could not establish a strong innings. Dipesh Kandel remained unbeaten on 0.

For Lumbini, Saad Bin Zafar took 3 wickets, while Ramon Simmons and Abhishek Gautam each claimed 2 wickets. Surya Tamang and Bibek Yadav both picked up 1 wicket. Captain Paudel bowled two overs but did not take any wickets. Captain Paudel bowled two overs but was wicketless.