Karan KC’s Explosive 34 Pushes Kathmandu Gorkhas to 157 Against Lumbini Lions in NPL

Nepal Premier League Kathmandu

25th November 2025, Kathmandu

The Nepal Premier League Kathmandu Gorkhas posted a competitive total of 157 runs against the Lumbini Lions.

Nepal Premier League Kathmandu

They achieved this score in the stipulated 20 overs, losing eight wickets in the process. The match is currently underway at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. Kathmandu Gorkhas were put into bat first.

They lost the toss, but managed to put up a challenging score for the Lions. A late, powerful surge of runs proved critical in boosting the total past the 150-run mark.

The Nepal Premier League Kathmandu Gorkhas demonstrated resilience against a disciplined bowling attack. This match holds significant importance for both teams’ positions in the league table.

Karan KC’s Explosive Finish

Captain Karan KC was the driving force behind the late acceleration. His performance was nothing short of spectacular. He played an incredibly explosive cameo, scoring 34 runs in only 11 balls.

This high-impact innings significantly changed the complexion of the game. KC smashed four sixes and one four during his brief stay at the crease. He executed powerful, clean shots that cleared the boundary ropes with ease. His late flurry of runs took the team to a respectable and defendable total.

The skipper’s aggressive intent in the death overs provided the necessary momentum. The Lumbini bowlers struggled to contain his strokeplay. KC’s ability to maximize the final overs was key for the Nepal Premier League Kathmandu Gorkhas. His strike rate was over 300, a remarkable feat in any T20 innings.

Anchor Innings and Crucial Contributions

While KC provided the fireworks, other batsmen laid the foundation. Opener Aakash Tripathi played a measured and crucial anchor role. Tripathi scored 32 runs from 36 balls.

His innings provided stability at the top of the order. Tripathi ensured that wickets did not fall too quickly early on. This solid base allowed the middle and lower order to take risks later.

Santosh Yadav then injected pace into the middle overs. Yadav contributed a quickfire 26 runs off just 16 balls. This partnership was vital for maintaining the run rate.

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The middle order also saw contributions from Milind Kumar and Gerhard Erasmus. Both batsmen scored 17 runs each. Their short but useful innings kept the scoreboard ticking over.

These runs were important for supporting the main scorers. The collective effort was commendable. The Nepal Premier League Kathmandu Gorkhas structured their innings well. They successfully navigated the initial pressure to post a strong total.

Lumbini Lions’ Tight Bowling Attack

The Lumbini Lions bowlers performed strongly in patches throughout the innings. Captain Rohit Paudel led the bowling attack well. He claimed two crucial wickets.

Sher Malla also bowled an effective spell, securing two wickets of his own. The foreign talent, Gulbadin Naib and Ruben Trumpelmann, matched their colleagues’ efforts. Both Naib and Trumpelmann also took two wickets each.

This collective effort saw all four main bowlers sharing the wickets equally. Their disciplined bowling kept the total from soaring higher. The Lions were effective in their change of pace and line.

The bowlers managed to restrict the Gorkhas in the middle overs. Lumbini’s strategy was clear: take wickets regularly to halt momentum. They achieved this goal reasonably well until the final overs onslaught by Karan KC. Their task now is to successfully chase the 158-run target set by the Nepal Premier League Kathmandu Gorkhas.

NPL Standings and Match Significance

This match is part of the second season of the franchise-based Nepal Premier League. It is a critical encounter for both sides in the standings. Heading into this game, both Kathmandu Gorkhas and the Lumbini Lions had accumulated two points. This tied score placed them in the third and fourth positions respectively on the league table.

Kathmandu Gorkhas had played three games already before this fixture. Conversely, Lumbini Lions are competing in only their third game of the tournament. A victory for either team will significantly boost their chances of securing a playoff spot. The pressure is therefore immense on the Lumbini Lions chase.

The Nepal Premier League Kathmandu Gorkhas are defending a competitive total. They will rely on their bowling unit to secure two vital points. The contest is set up for an exciting finish in the second innings. This total of 157 runs requires focus and strategic batting from the Lions.

For more: Nepal Premier League Kathmandu