The Nepal Premier League 2025 is at a turning point with the match between Kathmandu Gorkhas and Lumbini Lions in the Eliminator round. The encounter is significant, as both teams are fighting for their right to be in the tournament, as the loser will have their dreams shattered.
Gorkhas intend to use their experience and good form, while Lions want to show that, despite the odds, they can beat a stronger opponent. The match is going to be very exciting, as both teams are very much alive in the contest and the tournament.
The Eliminator format requires nothing less than perfect and top performances from both teams. Batting depth and bowling strength will be the main weapons for the Kathmandu Gorkhas to beat the tough Lumbini Lions challenge. Yet, Lions have the momentum and desire that often come to the underdogs’ side in knockout matches.
Head-to-Head Record in T20Is
- Matches Played: 3
- Kathmandu Gorkhas Won: 3
- Lumbini Lions Won: 0
Match Details
Details: Kathmandu Gorkhas vs Lumbini Lions, Eliminator
Venue: Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur
Date and Time: 10 DEC–03:40 PM
Pitch Report
Kathmandu Gorkhas’ Strengths
Kathmandu Gorkhas possess explosive batting depth, with Ben Charlesworth leading the charge at 197 runs. Bhim Sharki’s devastating late-order striking proved invaluable in their recent 13-run victory against the Pokhara Avengers, where he smashed 55 runs off just 23 balls. Shahab Alam’s 12 wickets demonstrate reliable bowling support, providing consistent breakthroughs throughout the tournament and maintaining pressure on opposition batsmen effectively.
Kathmandu Gorkhas’ Weaknesses
Despite finishing third, Kathmandu Gorkhas struggle with middle-order consistency, as evidenced by frequent early collapses in their batting lineup. Over-reliance on individual brilliance from players like Charlesworth creates vulnerability when key batsmen fail. Their bowling attack lacks the depth to defend modest totals against aggressive chasing teams, potentially exposing them in high-pressure knockout encounters where margins are slim.
Lumbini Lions’ Strengths
Lumbini Lions showcased resilience by finishing fourth and securing an important four-wicket victory against Janakpur Bolts. Rohit Kumar Paudel’s tournament-leading 208 runs demonstrate exceptional batting consistency and match-winning ability. D’Arcy Short and Paudel’s 61-run partnership revival proved crucial in their chase, highlighting their capacity to construct successful run-chases under pressure with a tactical batting approach.
Lumbini Lions’ Weaknesses
Lumbini Lions suffer from early-order instability, losing key wickets of Sumit Maharjan early in recent chases. Their bowling attack, led by Sher Malla with 10 wickets, lacks penetration against explosive batsmen. Over-dependence on Paudel’s batting creates vulnerability when he fails, and their inconsistent performances throughout the league suggest they struggle against quality opposition under pressure situations.
Predicted Playing 11s
Kathmandu Gorkhas: Karan KC (c), Ben Charlesworth, Gerhard Erasmus, Rashid Khan, Sunny Patel, Dipesh Kandel, Uttam Magar (wk), Milind Kumar, Bhim Sharki, Natarajan Shah, Aakash Tripathi
Lumbini Lions: Rohit Paudel (c), D’Arcy Short, Thomas Draca, Abhishesh Gautam, Gulbadin Naib, Sher Malla, Dilip Nath (wk), Bishal Patel, Sundeep Jora, Dinesh Adhikari, Tilak Bhandari
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