Time to wrap up this coverage, folks! Lumbini Lions won by 5 wickets to keep their hopes alive in the tournament. We hope you enjoyed our coverage. For now, itās me, Deepak Prakash, taking your leave on behalf of scorer/analyst Asraj Khan. CHEERS!
Rohit Paudel (Lumbini Lions Captain): "As a team, we were constantly looking at the points table, and this was an important game for us, so Iām very happy with the win. The bowling changes worked well today, and the bowlers delivered, so credit goes to them. Iām very happy for all of them. It doesnāt matter if I score or not ā the teamās victory is what matters."
Sher Malla (POTM): "Yes, it was an important game for us, and Iām very happy to earn the Player of the Match award after performing well. Abhishesh Gautam bowled really well from one end and helped build pressure. I want to dedicate this award to my mother, who has supported me throughout my journey."
Player of the Match: Sher Malla
It's time for the post-match presentation......
7:06 PM IST, 7:21 PM Local Time: Lumbini Lions win by 5 wickets and 14 balls to spare, and keep their hopes alive in the tournament.
Earlier, Biratnagar Kings posted 144/8 after a late surge in the death overs. Their innings started shakily, losing George Munsey and Faf du Plessis early, but Lokesh Bam (35) and Sam Heazlett (27) steadied the ship with a 55-run stand for the third wicket. Just when they looked set to accelerate, both fell, slowing the momentum. A brief collapse followed, but Basir Ahamadās vital 28 and Sandeep Lamichhaneās final-over six pushed the Kings past 140, with Marchant de Lange adding an unbeaten 10. For the Lions, JJ Smit took three wickets but was on the expensive side, while Sher Malla, Abhishesh Gautam, and Ruben Trumpelmann picked up a wicket each. Lumbini Lions chased down 145 with 5 wickets in hand and 14 balls to spare, riding on DāArcy Shortās commanding 57 off 44 balls. Despite losing Sumit Maharjan and skipper Rohit Paudel in the same over with the score stuck on 29, Short steadied the innings with a 37-run stand alongside Sundeep Jora (24). After Jora fell, Short kept the chase on track, adding 46 with Niroshan Dickwella, before departing for a well-made fifty. Dickwella (29* off 22) then took control, guiding the Lions home with calm support from Dilip Nath (16 off 12) and Sher Malla. For the Kings, Sandeep Lamichhane and Subash Bhandari picked up two wickets each, but the total of 144/8 proved insufficient. Basir Ahamad picked up one wicket, but the Lionsā well-paced partnerships sealed a comfortable win.
Stay tuned for the presentation.......
OVER 18
Lumbini Lions
145/5
Niroshan Dickwella
29(22)
Sher Malla
1(1)
Basir Ahmad
1-7(0.4)
17.5 B Ahmad to N Dickwella
WD On a length angling across outside off. Dickwella leaves it alone. Wide called by the umpire, and Lumbini Lions win by 5 wickets.