Sher shines again, Lumbini edge closer to the final

Lumbini Lions have moved a step closer to the final of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) Cricket 2025 after extending their winning streak with a commanding victory in Wednesday’s Eliminator. 

They knocked out Kathmandu Gorkhas, ending both their dominance and challenge, and advanced to Qualifier 2. Kathmandu had beaten Lumbini in both earlier meetings combining both seasons, and entered the Eliminator hoping to continue that upper hand. 

But Lumbini turned the script around, exacting revenge and sending Kathmandu out of the title race. After choosing to bat first, Kathmandu were bundled out for just 111, a target Lumbini chased down calmly. 

Sher Malla once again played a decisive role in Lumbini’s win. Continuing his strong run of form, he delivered another impressive all-round bowling display as Lumbini registered their fourth straight victory. 

Despite this momentum, Lumbini still need to cross one final hurdle to reach the championship match. Their next challenge will be against Biratnagar Kings on Thursday. Biratnagar, who lost to Sudurpaschim Royals on Tuesday, now get a second chance to book a spot in the final. 

For Lumbini, contributions from Nepali players have been central to their success this season, especially from spinner Sher Malla. Picked in the auction as a rising talent, Sher has emerged as the team’s valuable asset. 

He troubled Kathmandu’s top order yet again, dismissing opener Aakash Tripathi with his first ball and removing Milind Kumar in his next over. With Ruben Trumpelmann also knocking over two overseas batters, Kathmandu quickly fell behind. 

Captain Rohit Paudel joined the wicket-taking spree in the 10th over, removing Bhim Sharki and Rashid Khan to leave Kathmandu at a precarious 51 for 6. Although Aadil Alam struck a few boundaries, Sher bowled him in the 14th over to end any hopes of recovery. 

Kathmandu never managed to regain control and were eventually bowled out cheaply. Sher, with three wickets, was named Player of the Match. His tally of 13 wickets in eight games makes him Lumbini’s leading wicket-taker and the third-highest in the tournament. 

After winning their opening match, Lumbini lost three in a row and faced a tough path to the playoffs. But they bounced back strongly, winning their remaining league matches to secure qualification. 

With Sher, Trumpelmann, and Rohit contributing with the ball and steady efforts from the batters, Lumbini have maintained their winning rhythm into the playoffs. Rohit said the team has been treating every match like a knockout, given their earlier situation, and tomorrow’s game will be no different. 

As for Kathmandu, their maiden playoff run ended in the Eliminator. Despite an inconsistent league phase, they managed to qualify, but could not carry their form forward. 

Coach Monty Desai said a total around 130–140 would likely have been competitive, but they fell short due to a poor powerplay and lack of partnerships. 

Overreliance on overseas players also hurt Kathmandu, as neither the foreign recruits nor the local players stepped up when it mattered most.