Lumbini Lions secure NPL playoff spot with six‑wicket win over Karnali Yaks

Defending champions Lumbini Lions secured a place in the Nepal Premier League playoffs after a low‑scoring encounter with Karnali Yaks on Thursday. Chasing a target of 106 runs, Lumbini reached 106/4 in 16.4 overs, finishing the match with 20 balls left. The six‑wicket victory gave the team a playoff berth with a match to spare. The win lifted Lumbini to the top of the league table, where they now sit with nine points from six matches. Despite the strong position, the team also remains seventh in a separate standings column with four points from six matches, according to the match report. The performance was highlighted by Dilip Nath, who remained unbeaten, while Sandeep Jora was dismissed during the chase. Karnali Yaks, who set the modest total of 106, were unable to defend their score despite early wickets. The match featured notable contributions from players such as Darcy Short, who was mentioned in the post‑match commentary. Lumbini's next challenge will be against Biratnagar Kings, as the league progresses toward its final stages.