Defending champions Lumbini Lions maintained their flawless start in the NPL 2026 by defeating inaugural champions Janakpur Bolts by 16 runs at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
In their chase of 150 runs, Janakpur was bowled out for 133 runs in 20 overs.
This marks Lumbini’s third win in three matches, while Janakpur has faced three losses in five games.
Lumbini Posts 149 Runs After Losing the Toss
Lumbini lost the toss and batted first, scoring 149 runs with 8 wickets down.
Captain Rohit Paudel was the highest scorer with 38 runs off 31 balls, featuring 4 boundaries and a six.
Niroshan Dickwella contributed 27 runs off 27 balls, while Aasif Sheikh and Dilip Nath each scored 21 runs.
Shamim Hussain added 13 runs, and Ruben Trumpelmann scored 15 runs off 8 balls, including 2 sixes.
Lumbini faced an early set back in the opening over when opener D’Arcy Short was dismissed for a golden duck.
Despite losing wickets regularly, Janakpur’s bowlers couldn’t contain Lumbini’s innings.
Bishal Susling and Rahul Yadav each took two wickets, while captain Harmeet Singh, Lalit Rajbanshi, and Abhishek Tiwari claimed one wicket each.
D’Arcy Short Shines in Bowling
Janakpur needed 150 runs to win but struggled significantly.
They lost 5 wickets for only 65 runs.
Harmeet Singh attempted to shift momentum with a strong 33 runs off 20 balls, including 3 sixes.
Aditya Mahata remained unbeaten with 30 runs off 23 balls, hitting 4 boundaries. The pair added 43 runs for the 8th wicket.
However, Harmeet Singh’s dismissal in the 18th over led to a collapse in the partnership.
Sheikh Hasan scored 28 runs off 25 balls, and opener Tirtha Raj Das made 18 runs.
Unfortunately, the rest of the Janakpur batsmen couldn’t contribute significantly.
D’Arcy Short excelled in bowling for Lumbini, taking 3 wickets for 23 runs in 4 overs.
Tilak Bhandari took two wickets, while Ruben Trumpelmann and Sher Malla each claimed one.
Lumbini Tops the Table
With this victory, Lumbini earned 2 more points, bringing their total to 7 points from 4 matches. They have won 3 games, with 1 match abandoned due to rain.
The defending champions now sit at the top of the table and appear to be firmly in control of the playoff race.
In contrast, Janakpur has played 5 matches, securing 2 wins and 3 losses.
To keep their hopes alive, they must win both of their remaining games.
Lumbini showcased a well-rounded performance with both bat and ball, continuing their perfect streak, while Janakpur faces a tough road ahead.