Lumbini Lions spoiled Biratnagar Kings’ star batsman Faf du Plessis’ debut in the Siddhartha Bank Premier League, handing the Kings a five-wicket defeat at the TU Cricket Stadium in Kathmandu.
With this much-needed win, Lumbini Lions have given themselves a strong chance of making it to the play-offs, climbing to fourth place with a games in hand.
After winning the toss, Lumbini opted to field first and restricted Biratnagar Kings to a decent total of 144/8 in their allotted 20 overs. Sher Malla was the chief tormentor, picking up three wickets that derailed the Kings’ hopes of posting a challenging total under lights at the packed stadium.
Lokesh Bam top-scored for the Kings with 35 runs off 42 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes. Faf du Plessis made 12 before being smartly stumped by Sri Lankan wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella off Abhishesh Gautam’s outstanding delivery, which deceived one of the world’s best batsmen.
In reply, Lumbini Lions’ D’Arcy Short anchored the chase with a composed 57 off 44 balls, striking six boundaries and two sixes. Dickwella remained unbeaten on 29 to guide Lumbini Lions home with ease.
Sher Malla was adjudged Player of the Match for his match-winning spell of 3/25 in four overs.
In tomorrow’s double-header, Kathmandu Gorkhas take on Pokhara Avengers in the opening match, while in the later fixture Chitwan Rhinos face table-toppers Sudurpashchim Royals under lights at the same venue.
Sudurpashchim Royals have already qualified for the play-offs, while Karnali Yaks are mathematically out of contention for a play-off berth.