Kathmandu Gurkhas (also spelled Gorkhas) defended 160 to beat defending champions Lumbini Lions by 36 runs in Match 18 of the Nepal Premier League 2026 at the TU Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, on Saturday. David Warner top-scored with 66, and Jahandad Khan took 4/23 as Lumbini were bowled out for 124 in 19.3 overs. The defeat ended the Lions’ unbeaten start to Season 3.

Warner and Patel set the platform

Lumbini won the toss and chose to bowl. David Warner made 66 off 50 balls, with nine fours and a six. He shared a 104-run opening stand with Sahil Patel, who made 38 off 36. According to the full scorecard, the partnership lasted 13.2 overs.

Wickets then fell steadily. Sahan Arachchige added late momentum with 34 off 15 balls, taking Kathmandu to 160/8. For Lumbini Lions, Abhishesh Gautam (2/15), Sher Malla (2/19) and Ruben Trumpelmann (2/24) took two wickets each.

Jahandad Khan leads the defence

Lumbini’s chase of 161 collapsed early. The scorecard shows them six down for 28. Sundeep Jora made 45 off 45 balls and added 46 for the eighth wicket with Gautam, but the required rate was too high. Jahandad Khan finished with 4/23 from his four overs, and captain Karan KC took 2/24. Lumbini’s innings also included 15 extras.

Khabarhub reported that the loss ended a 10-match unbeaten run for Lumbini, made up of six straight wins last season and four unbeaten games this year.

Lumbini stay top of the table despite the loss, according to Khabarhub’s report. They have seven points from five matches. Kathmandu are second with six points from four. Sudurpaschim Royals also have six points and sit third on net run rate. The top four teams after the league stage qualify for the playoffs; check the live points table for the latest standings.

Kathmandu Gurkhas have recovered well from their opening defeat to Janakpur Bolts. They have since beaten Karnali Yaks by four wickets and Biratnagar Kings by nine wickets, and now Lumbini. Warner made 16 on his debut against Karnali and an unbeaten 44 against Biratnagar. His 66 is his highest score of the three innings he has played so far.

What’s next

Kathmandu face Chitwan Rhinos on 9 November at 5:00 PM NPT, and Lumbini play Karnali Yaks on 12 November at 5:00 PM NPT. See the full NPL 2026 schedule for upcoming fixtures.