Kathmandu Gorkhas produced a complete all-round display to defeat Lumbini Lions by 22 runs in Match 11 of the Nepal Premier League 2025/26 at TU Cricket Ground on Tuesday.
Having been sent in to bat, the Gorkhas posted 157/8 before bowling out Lumbini Lions for 135 in 19.1 overs. The defining factor was the all-action performance from Karan KC, who smashed an unbeaten 34 off 11 balls with 4 massive sixes and later returned 1/36, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Kathmandu had a cautious start before Aakash Tripathi (32 off 36) stabilized the innings with controlled stroke-making. Milind Kumar (17 off 20), Rashid Khan (14 off 10), and Santosh Yadav (26 off 16) provided important middle-order contributions.
But the real acceleration came in the final overs when Karan KC launched a late assault, hammering 34* off just 11 deliveries at a strike rate of 309.09. His cameo turned a par score into a competitive total.
Kathmandu's innings closed at 157/8, powered by seven sixes and disciplined running despite pressure from Lumbini's attack.
For Lumbini Lions, Gulbadin Naib (2/20) and Sher Malla (2/33) were the pick of the bowlers, while Ruben Trumpelmann chipped in with 2 wickets despite conceding 43 runs.
Lions began their chase brightly with Sundeep Jora's quick 7 off 5 and D'Arcy Short's attacking 22 off 11. But regular wickets prevented any meaningful partnerships.
Captain Rohit Paudel made 11, while Gulbadin Naib struck 11 off 6, but none could convert a start into a defining innings.
The most resistance came from Dilip Nath, who anchored the chase with 25 off 33, and Sher Malla, who kept hopes alive with a brisk 27 off 18, including three boundaries.
However, the required rate climbed steeply, and Kathmandu's bowlers closed out the match with discipline. Lumbini lost their final four wickets for just 31 runs, collapsing from 104/6 to 135 all out.
