Kathmandu end Lumbini’s unbeaten run with 36-run win

Kathmandu Gorkhas produced a dominant performance to beat defending champions Lumbini Lions by 36 runs in the Nepal Premier League cricket tournament on Saturday. Chasing a target of 161 at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Lumbini were bowled out for 124 in 19.3 overs. The defeat ended Lumbini’s unbeaten run, which had stretched to 11 matches.

They had lost to Sudurpaschim Royals by seven wickets in the league stage last year before winning their next six matches to lift the title. This season, Lumbini had won three of their first four matches, with their game against Chitwan Rhinos abandoned due to rain. With their third consecutive victory, Kathmandu moved back to second in the standings with six points.

Sudurpaschim Royals also have six points, but Kathmandu sit above them on net run rate. Lumbini remain top with seven points. Pakistan fast bowler Jahandad Khan gave Kathmandu a sensational start, dismissing D’Arcy Short for four and Aasif Sheikh for one, caught behind, in the second over of the innings.