Kathmandu Gorkhas' decision to bat first in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) Eliminator at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, backfired early as they were skittled for 111 all out in 19.1 overs on Wednesday.
The Gorkhas' innings was defined by a brutal powerplay collapse. They stumbled to 29/4 inside the mandatory six overs, losing Ben Charlesworth (4) , Aakash Tripathi (1), Sunny Patel (7) and Milind Kumar (2) and in quick succession. With the top order wiped out, the middle order was forced into survival mode rather than acceleration.
John Simpson (18 off 17) and Bhim Sharki (14 off 16) tried to stabilise, but Lumbini kept striking to ensure there was no sustained partnership. By the drinks break, Kathmandu were 51/6 in 9.1 overs, reflecting the pressure created by tight lines and constant breakthroughs.
The only late spark came from Santosh Yadav (23 off 17) and Mohammad Aadil Alam (18 off 11, 2 sixes), who pushed the total towards three figures. Kathmandu reached 100 in 18.3 overs, but the innings ended shortly after, with the last wicket falling at 19.1 overs. They also conceded 9 extras (including 5 wides), which kept the target from looking even slimmer.
Lumbini's wicket-taking was led by their captain Rohit Paudel who clinched three wickets (4-0-25-3). Sher Malla continued his outstanding form, grabbing three wickets (4-0-22-3) as well.
