The Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2025 delivered another low scoring thriller in Match 25 at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Lumbini Lions defeated the Janakpur Bolts by four wickets And pushed Lions into the playoffs, while depending champions unable to make playoffs and ended their title defence hopes.
Janakpur Bolts won the toss and Opted to bowl first, clearly aiming to put a substantial total on the board in this must-win fixture. However, their batting lineup struggled to find rhythm and acceleration against a disciplined Lumbini Lions bowling attack. They managed to post a modest, total of 132 runs for the loss of six wickets in 20 overs.
The Bolts innings was anchored by a gritty performance from Sangeeth Cooray, who remained unbeaten on 45 runs off 38 balls. Cooray provided the stability needed after a shaky start, hitting two fours and a crucial six in his knock. The early part of the innings saw opener Aasif Sheikh added 20 runs off 17 deliveries, including two boundaries and one maximum, before the middle order faced a collapse. Anil Sah (7) and Shubh Kansakar (11) both departed cheaply, putting immense pressure on lower middle order. A late, valuable contribution came from Mayan Yadav, whose aggressive 27 not out off 23 balls helped the Bolts cross the 130-mark.
The Lumbini Lions bowled with excellent control and focus. Their experienced bowler Sher Malla delivered a superb spell, taking 2 wickets for just 20 runs in his four overs. His early breakthroughs made scoring difficult for the Bolts. Captain Rohit Paudel also contributed with the ball, taking 2 wickets for 15 runs, Ruben Trumplemann and Jj Smit gets one wicket each.
The target for the Lions was 133 runs. Things started badly for Lumbini as Sumit Maharjan was dismissed on the very first ball of the innings , Sangeeth Cooray gave perfect Start for Janakpur Bolts.
D’Arcy Short and captain Rohit Paudel steadied the innings with a crucial partnership rotating the strike and punishing losse deliveries , Short scoring 30 runs off 24 balls, including one four and two powerful sixes , helped the Lions recover from the early setback.
Paudel continued to play responsibly, scoring 34 off 32 balls. Together, Short and Paudel added a vital 61-run partnership, which brought the Lions back into control of the chase. Niroshan Dickwella added 17 valuable runs .when the Lions looked settled, the Janakpur Bolts made a strong comeback. Their bowlers, especially Sangeeth Cooray and Mayan Yadav, struck important blows. Cooray dismissed both Short and JJ Smit on 21 , breaking the rhythm of the Lions chase.
Mayan Yadav then produced an excellent over, taking the wickets of Rohit Paudel and Sundeep Jora in consecutive balls. These two quick dismissals suddenly put the Lions under huge pressure and made the match tense again.
However, Dilip Nath and Ruben Trumpelmann remained calm under pressure. Nath played a smart and composed innings, scoring 15 not out off 13 balls, Trumpelmann supported him with a steady 6 not out off 5 balls.
the Lions reached 136/6 in 19.1 overs, winning the match with five balls to spare. This victory sparked celebrations in the Lions camp qualified for the playoffs.
Sangeeth Cooray was the stand out bowler for Janakpur Bolts took 3 wickets just 25 runs in 4 overs, Mayan yadav gets 2 wickets and 1 wicket for Sanjay Krishnamurthi.
Match summary
Toss : Janakpur Bolts won the toss and Opted to bat first
Janakpur Bolts innings : 132/6 in 20 overs
Top scorer : Sangeeth Cooray 45 runs off 38 deliveries, Mayan yadav 27 runs off 23 balls
Top Bowler : Sher Malla 2/20 in 4 overs, Rohit Paudel 2/15 in 2 overs
Lumbini Lions innings : 136/6 in 19.1 overs
Top scorer : Rohit Paudel 34 runs off 32 deliveries, D, Arcy Short 30 runs off 24 balls
Top Bowler : Sangeeth Cooray 3/25 in 4 overs, Mayan yadav 2/3 in 1 overs
Result : Lumbini Lions won by 6 wickets
Player of the match : Rohit Paudel 34 runs and 2/15
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