Kathmandu Gorkhas halt defending champion Lumbini Lions’ unbeaten run with a 36-run victory
KIRTIPUR, KATHMANDU — The defending champions, Lumbini Lions, finally tasted defeat in the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) as the Kathmandu Gorkhas delivered a spectacular all-round performance to secure a 36-run victory at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground on Saturday.
The highly anticipated weekend clash saw the Lions’ formidable batting lineup crumble under the pressure of a disciplined Kathmandu bowling attack, abruptly ending their dominant undefeated streak in the tournament.
Warner Anchors Kathmandu to a Solid Total
The afternoon began with Lumbini Lions’ captain Rohit Paudel winning the toss and electing to field first. Kathmandu Gorkhas capitalized on the opportunity, posting a competitive total of 160/8 in their allotted 20 overs.
Australian superstar David Warner was the architect of the Gorkhas’ innings, earning the Player of the Match award with a masterful 66 off 50 deliveries. Showcasing his immense experience, Warner smashed nine boundaries and a towering six, pacing the innings beautifully. He found excellent support from Sahil Patel, who contributed a vital 38 off 36 balls (two boundaries, two sixes).
The Lions’ bowlers managed to pull things back in the final overs, taking key wickets to restrict Kathmandu from reaching a massive total. Sher Malla (2 for 19) and Ruben Trumpelmann (2 for 24) were the standout performers with the ball for Lumbini.
Lions Collapse in the Powerplay
Chasing 161, the usually reliable Lumbini top order collapsed spectacularly during the powerplay. Kathmandu’s bowlers attacked aggressively with the new ball, dismantling the Lions’ batting lineup early on and leaving them reeling.
Jahandad Khan delivered a sensational, match-winning spell, tearing through the Lions’ order to claim four crucial wickets for just 23 runs in his four overs. He was brilliantly supported by Karan KC and Sahan Arachchige, who picked up two wickets each, maintaining relentless pressure on the batters.
Sundeep Jora offered the only significant resistance for Lumbini, playing a grinding knock of 45 off 46 deliveries (three boundaries). However, lacking support from the other end, the mounting run rate proved insurmountable. The defending champions were eventually bowled out for 124 in 19.3 overs.
This massive victory propels the Kathmandu Gorkhas further up the standings and proves that the defending champions are not invincible, throwing the race for the NPL 2026 playoffs wide open.
