Lumbini beat Janakpur to strengthen grip on NPL top spot

Lumbini Lions strengthened their grip on top spot in the Nepal Premier League with a 16-run victory over Janakpur Bolts in a clash between the winners of the tournament’s first two editions on Thursday. Chasing 150 at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Janakpur managed only 133 for eight in their 20 overs. The win, Lumbini’s third in four matches, took their points tally to seven, giving them a three-point lead over the other teams. It was Janakpur’s third defeat in five matches.

Lumbini are now unbeaten in their last ten matches. They won six games on their way to the title last season, while their fixture against Chitwan Rhinos this time was abandoned because of rain. Janakpur’s chase never quite got going. They were reduced to 55 for five after 10 overs, leaving them with too much to do in the second half of the innings.

Making his first appearance in the competition, Parvez Hossain Emon was dismissed for one. Trit Raj Das and Saif Hassan put on 36 for the second wicket before D’Arcy Short bowled Das out at 18 off 18 balls, including one four.