Lumbini Lions defeated Biratnagar Kings by 5 wickets, chasing down 145 with 14 balls to spare at Kirtipur. Biratnagar struggled after early wickets, managing only 144 for 8 despite Lokesh Bam's 35 and Basir Ahamad's late 28. Lumbini's chase was controlled through D'Arcy Short's 57 and Niroshan Dickwella's unbeaten 29. Sher Malla's three early breakthroughs set up the win.

Biratnagar Kings posted a modest total of 144 for 8 after batting first at Kirtipur, but the target proved no match for Lumbini Lions, who reached 145 for 5 in 17.4 overs to win by five wickets with 14 balls to spare.

The Kings' innings never really got going. Early blows fell quickly — George Munsey was out for a duck in the second ball of the match, and former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis managed just 12 from 9 deliveries before departing.

Lokesh Bam provided some resistance, top-scoring with 35 off 42 balls, while Sam Heazlett added 27 off 20 with a couple of sixes to keep the innings afloat. Their partnership offered a brief spark, but subsequent wickets prevented any real momentum. A late cameo from Basir Ahamad (28 off 19) offered a minor flourish, though it wasn't enough to push the total beyond 144.

The Lions had no trouble chasing. D'Arcy Short led the charge with a composed 57 off 44 balls, including six boundaries and two sixes, anchoring the innings after an early wobble. When early wickets threatened to derail the chase, Sundeep Jora (24 off 15) offered brisk support, and later Niroshan Dickwella remained unbeaten on 29 off 22 to steer the Lions home under pressure.

On the bowling front, left-arm seamer Sher Malla stood out as the match-turner. He took three wickets, dismantling the Kings' top order and keeping the total well under par. His spell put early brakes on Biratnagar's innings, setting the tone for Lumbini's dominance.

With this win, the Lions keep their playoff hopes alive, while the Kings will be disappointed after failing to put up a defendable total despite having a few valiant efforts.

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