Electing to bat first in the second match of NPL on Wednesday at the TU International Cricket Ground, Kathmandu Gurkhas managed to post a modest total of 103 runs in 19.2 overs. Despite the low target, Lumbini Lions fell short by 18 runs, getting bowled out for 85 runs in 19.2 overs as well. With this loss, the Lumbini Lions are officially out of the race for the top four.
Kathmandu’s Early Collapse with the Bat
Kathmandu Gurkhas’ batting woes continued, losing four key wickets inside the powerplay. Michael Levitt departed without scoring, bowled by Ramon Simmonds in the first over. Steven Eskinazi followed, getting bowled by Abhishesh Gautam for 13. Gerhard Erasmus (1) and Sumit Maharjan (1) both fell to Saad Bin Zafar, leaving Kathmandu struggling at 23/4.
Bhim Sharki played a slow, anchoring knock of 31 runs off 38 balls, hitting just one boundary. His innings relied heavily on sweep shots until he was dismissed in the 18th over. Late contributions from Dan Douthwaite (21) and Pratik Shrestha (20) lifted the Gurkhas to 103, with both players hitting two sixes each.
Lumbini’s Bowling Stars Shine
Lumbini’s bowlers put up an impressive display, with Saad Bin Zafar leading the attack, claiming 3 wickets for 21 runs in his four overs. Left-arm pacers Ramon Simmonds and Abhishesh Gautam grabbed two wickets apiece, while Surya Tamang and Bibek Yadav chipped in with a wicket each.
Spin Dominates as Gurkhas Defend a Low Total
Despite the low target, Kathmandu’s bowlers capitalized on a spin-friendly track. Dipesh Kandel was the star of the first 10 overs, delivering a stunning spell of 4-0-6-3. He dismissed Lumbini’s top three batters, including openers Ashutosh Ghiraiya and Arjun Saud, as well as skipper Rohit Paudel, reducing Lumbini to 16/3 by the end of the powerplay.
The Lion’ powerplay total of 16 runs is the joint-lowest in this tournament. A brief resistance came from Sundeep Jora and Surya Tamang, who added 32 runs for the eighth wicket. Jora scored 26 off 29 balls, including two boundaries, keeping Lumbini’s hopes alive until he was caught at long-on by Shahab Alam off Karan KC.
Karan KC and Dipesh Kandel Lead the Bowling Attack
Karan KC delivered a match-winning performance, taking 4 wickets for 16 runs in his four overs and earning the Player of the Match award. Dipesh Kandel was equally instrumental, finishing with remarkable figures of 3/6. Namibia’s Gerhard Erasmus chipped in with two wickets, while Rashid Khan added one.
Points Table Update
This defeat eliminates Lumbini Lions from playoff contention, leaving them in sixth place with just one win and five losses. Kathmandu Gurkhas, with two wins and two losses, climb to fifth and keep their playoff hopes alive with one match remaining.
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