Lumbini Lions has cruised to a 5-wicket win over Biratnagar Kings in the 22nd match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) held in Kirtipur, keeping its hope alive for the playoffs.
Chasing the 145-run target set by Biratnagar, Lumbini reached it in 17.4 overs losing 5 wickets.
To secure win against Biratnagar, D'Arcy Short topped the score with a half-century including 6 fours and 2 sixes off 44 deliveries. Similarly, Niroshan Dickwella scored 29 runs followed by Sundeep Jora with 24 runs while Dilip Nath and Sumit Maharjan contributed 16 and 10 runs, respectively.
In reply, Subash Bhandari and Sandeep Lamichhane took 2 wicket each while Basir Ahamad claimed 1 wicket for Biratnagar.
Earlier, invited to bat first after losing the toss at the TU International Ground on Wednesday, Biratnagar notched up 144 runs losing 8 wickets in the allotted 20 overs.
Lokesh Bam topped the score with 35 runs including 2 fours and 2 sixes off 42 balls followed by Basir Ahamad with 28 runs while Sam Heazlett secured 27 runs. Similarly, Faf du Plessis, Pratis GC and Marchant de Lange contributed 12, 11 and 10 runs, respectively.
In reply, Sher Malla took the highest 3 wickets while JJ Smit, Abhishesh Gautam and Ruben Trumpelmann claimed 1 wicket each.
Biratnagar Kings currently hold third place with 8 points, while the Lumbini Lions have climbed into the fourth position with 6 points. Both teams have played six matches.
Two matches are scheduled for Thursday. Kathmandu Gorkhas and Pokhara Avengers will lock their horns at 11:45 am. Similarly, Chitwan Rhinos will take on Sudurpaschim Royals at 4 pm.
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