Lumbini Lions Defeat Biratnagar Kings to Secure NPL Playoff Spot

Lumbini Lions secured their place in the Nepal Premier League playoffs following a four-wicket victory against Biratnagar Kings at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. The outcome formally eliminated Biratnagar from reaching the playoff stage and finalized the equation for the remaining postseason places. Biratnagar posted a total of 166 runs for the loss of four wickets in their allocated 20 overs after being sent in to bat first. The innings featured a top score of 64 runs off 43 balls, incorporating six sixes and one boundary. Imran Sheikh contributed 24 runs before retiring hurt, while Shubham Ranjane finished undefeated on 31 runs. Among the Lumbini bowling attack, one bowler took two wickets, with Abhishesh Gautam and Ruben Trumpelmann taking one wicket apiece. Chasing a target of 167 runs, Lumbini reached 167 for six in 19.5 overs. The wicketkeeper-batsman and another player scored 45 runs each to build the chase. Ali Sheikh added 27 runs, while Sundeep Jora played an unbeaten knock of 25 runs from 11 deliveries, hitting three sixes and one boundary to complete the win. For Biratnagar, Aparajita Poudel picked up two wickets, while Charith Asalanka and Rupesh Singh claimed one wicket each.