Defending champions Lumbini Lions booked their place in the Qualifier with a thrilling four-wicket victory over Biratnagar Kings in the Nepal Premier League on Saturday, thanks to a match-winning six from Ruben Trumpelmann.
Chasing a target of 167, Lumbini reached 168 for six in 19.5 overs at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. Biratnagar had posted 166 for four after being put in to bat.
The victory takes Lumbini to 11 points and secures them top spot in the standings. They will face the second-placed team in the Qualifier, with the winner advancing directly to the final.
Sudurpaschim Royals are currently second with 10 points. Kathmandu Gorkhas, who have eight points, can also reach 10 with a win over Pokhara Avengers on Sunday. Kathmandu have a better net run rate than Sudurpaschim and would move above them with a victory, setting up a Qualifier 1 clash against Lumbini. In that event, Kathmandu would face Lumbini in the Qualifier.
Lumbini's victory ended Biratnagar's campaign at the league stage. It also confirmed all four playoff teams, with Lumbini, Sudurpaschim, Kathmandu and Chitwan Rhinos securing places in the top four.
Earlier, Charith Asalanka led Biratnagar's innings with 64 off 43 balls, making the most of two dropped catches. Ruben Trumpelmann dropped him at long-on when he was on 22, while Aasif Sheikh missed another chance at long-off when Asalanka had reached 47. The Sri Lankan batter struck one four and six sixes.
Lokesh Bam scored 15 off 17 balls, hitting two fours, before being dismissed in the fifth over. Asalanka then built partnerships with Imran Sheikh and Shubham Ranjane to take Biratnagar to a competitive total.
Imran made 24 off 29 balls, including a six, while Ranjane remained unbeaten on 31 off 24 deliveries, with four fours. Shehan Jayasuriya and Isuru Udana finished unbeaten on one and six respectively.
For Lumbini, Kishor Mahato took two wickets for 24 runs in four overs. Trumpelmann and Abhishesh Gautam claimed one wicket each. Trumpelmann conceded 52 runs in his four overs, while Gautam gave away just 15 in three overs.
Binod Pandey is a sports reporter for the Kantipur Publications.
