Kathmandu edge Lumbini in high-scoring NPL clash
Kathmandu Gorkhas clinched their second win of the season with a 22-run victory over Lumbini Lions in the 11th match of the 2025–26 Nepal Premier League, held at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground on November 25. In a match filled with momentum swings, it was Karan KC’s all-round brilliance that made the difference.
After being put in to bat, Kathmandu posted a competitive 157/8 in their 20 overs, with Karan KC delivering a game-changing unbeaten 34 off just 11 balls — a late assault that included 4 fours and a six at a staggering strike rate of 309.09.
Middle-order resistance leads Kathmandu revival
Earlier in the innings, Aakash Tripathi provided a solid start with 32 off 36, while Milind Kumar (17), Santosh Yadav (26 off 16), and Gerhard Erasmus (17) contributed crucial runs in the middle. Kathmandu faced regular setbacks, slipping to 109/6 at one stage, but Karan’s late blitz ensured a strong finish.
Ruben Trumpelmann was the standout bowler for Lumbini, taking 2 for 43, while Sher Malla also picked up 2 wickets. However, Lumbini’s bowlers were unable to contain the flow of runs at the death.
Lumbini falter despite promising start
Chasing 158, Lumbini Lions were bundled out for 135 in 19.1 overs despite promising contributions from Dilip Nath (25), D’Arcy Short (22 off 11), and Sher Malla (27 off 18). The top order faltered under pressure, and wickets fell in clusters as Kathmandu’s bowling unit applied sustained pressure.
Milind Kumar (2/18) and Gerhard Erasmus (2/27) were both effective in the middle overs, while Rashid Khan, Shahab Alam, Santosh Yadav, and Karan KC each chipped in with a wicket. Rashid also held a key catch and bowled a tight 18th over that sealed the win.
Karan KC steals the show
Kathmandu skipper Karan KC was named Player of the Match for his exceptional all-round performance — smashing a late-innings 34* off 11 and returning with figures of 1/36. His impactful cameo with the bat gave Kathmandu crucial momentum, and his tidy death bowling kept Lumbini at bay when the chase was heating up.
What’s next
The win earned Kathmandu Gorkhas two valuable points, moving them further up the Nepal Premier League standings. For Lumbini Lions, who remain inconsistent with both bat and ball, their second defeat in three marked another missed opportunity as the tournament heads into its second half.
With both teams eyeing playoff spots, the intensity of the NPL 2025/26 campaign continues to build — and Kirtipur once again delivered a thrilling contest worthy of the occasion.
