Kathmandu Gorkhas ended Lumbini Lions’ unbeaten run in the Nepal Premier League 2026 with a commanding 36-run win in the 18th match at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Saturday, 7 November 2026. David Warner’s 66 off 50 balls set up 160 for 8, and Jahandad Khan’s brilliant 4 for 23 destroyed Lumbini’s chase before it could begin, bowling the defending champions out for 124 in 19.3 overs.
Lumbini captain Rohit Paudel won the toss and chose to bowl first, backing his side’s strong bowling attack. For a while, the decision looked sound as the Lions dragged Kathmandu back in the final overs, but the damage done by Warner at the top and Jahandad with the new ball proved too much. It was Lumbini’s first defeat of the season, while Kathmandu made it three wins in a row. Read our full preview of the 18th match for the pre-match build-up.
Kathmandu’s Innings: Warner Anchors, Arachchige Finishes
Warner and wicketkeeper Sahil Patel gave Kathmandu a perfect start, reaching 45 without loss in the powerplay and adding 104 off 80 balls for the first wicket. Patel struck 38 off 36 balls, including two sixes, before Sher Malla had him caught by Paudel. Warner, who hit nine fours and a six in his 66 off 50 balls, fell to Malla as well, leaving Kathmandu 115 for 2 in the 16th over.
The innings then wobbled badly. Abhishesh Gautam took two wickets in two balls, catching and bowling captain Karan KC before dismissing William Bosisto first ball, and Ruben Trumpelmann removed Rashid Khan and Jahandad Khan. Two run outs added to the slide as Kathmandu lost seven wickets for 52 runs after the opening stand. What kept the total competitive was Sahan Arachchige, who smashed an unbeaten 34 off just 15 balls to lift the Gorkhas to 160 for 8. Gautam was the pick of Lumbini’s bowlers with 2 for 15 from four overs, while Malla took 2 for 19 and Trumpelmann 2 for 24.
Lumbini’s Chase: Jahandad’s Devastating Opening Burst
Chasing 161, Lumbini’s powerful top order collapsed spectacularly in the powerplay. Jahandad Khan had D’Arcy Short and Aasif Sheikh both caught behind by Sahil Patel in his first over, and captain Karan KC had Rohit Paudel caught behind for a duck. Jahandad then bowled Niroshan Dickwella (14 off 7) and Dilip Nath in the same over, and Karan trapped Grant Stewart lbw. The defending champions were 28 for 6 in the fifth over, with the game all but gone.
Sundeep Jora refused to give in, grinding out 45 off 46 balls and adding 47 off 35 balls with Gautam (16) for the eighth wicket. But Rashid Khan removed Gautam, Shahab Alam had Jora caught, and Arachchige bowled Sher Malla with his third ball to finish the match. Lumbini were all out for 124 in 19.3 overs, a total that included five penalty runs. Karan KC finished with 2 for 24 from four overs, including a maiden, while Shahab Alam (1 for 18) and Rashid Khan (1 for 21) kept the pressure on throughout.
Key Performances
- David Warner (Kathmandu Gorkhas): 66 off 50 balls, nine fours and a six — Player of the Match, and the anchor of the innings.
- Jahandad Khan (Kathmandu Gorkhas): 4 for 23 in four overs, including the first two wickets of the chase inside the opening overs.
- Sahan Arachchige (Kathmandu Gorkhas): unbeaten 34 off 15 balls to rescue the total, plus the final wicket with his third ball.
- Sahil Patel (Kathmandu Gorkhas): 38 off 36 balls at the top and three catches behind the stumps.
- Karan KC (Kathmandu Gorkhas): 2 for 24 in four overs, including a maiden, and the wicket of Rohit Paudel for a duck.
- Sundeep Jora (Lumbini Lions): a lone-hand 45 off 46 balls in a chase that was over inside the powerplay.
- Abhishesh Gautam (Lumbini Lions): 2 for 15 in four overs with the ball and 16 with the bat.
What the Result Means for the Points Table
Lumbini Lions stay top of the NPL 2026 points table despite the defeat, with seven points from five matches — three wins, one loss and one no result. But the aura of invincibility is gone, and their net run rate advantage has taken a hit. Lumbini had kept their unbeaten record intact with a 16-run win over Janakpur Bolts in the 14th match. Kathmandu Gorkhas, meanwhile, climb to six points from four matches with three wins and one loss, and their third straight victory makes them serious playoff contenders. With the race for the top four tightening, this result has thrown the playoff battle wide open. Kathmandu next face Chitwan Rhinos in the 20th match on Monday, 9 November, while Lumbini return against Karnali Yaks in the 23rd match on Thursday, 12 November.
Match Summary
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Match | Kathmandu Gorkhas vs Lumbini Lions, 18th Match, Nepal Premier League 2026 |
| Date | Saturday, 7 November 2026 |
| Venue | Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur |
| Toss | Lumbini Lions won the toss and chose to bowl |
| Kathmandu Gorkhas | 160/8 in 20 overs (David Warner 66, Sahan Arachchige 34*; Abhishesh Gautam 2/15) |
| Lumbini Lions | 124 all out in 19.3 overs (Sundeep Jora 45; Jahandad Khan 4/23, Karan KC 2/24) |
| Result | Kathmandu Gorkhas won by 36 runs |
| Player of the Match | David Warner (66 off 50 balls) |
FAQs
- Who won Kathmandu Gorkhas vs Lumbini Lions in the NPL 2026 18th match? — Kathmandu Gorkhas won by 36 runs, defending 160/8 by bowling Lumbini Lions out for 124 in 19.3 overs.
- Who was the Player of the Match? — David Warner, for his 66 off 50 balls at the top of the order, including nine fours and a six.
- How many wickets did Jahandad Khan take? — Four for 23 in four overs, including the first two wickets of the chase in his opening over.
- Who won the toss? — Lumbini Lions captain Rohit Paudel won the toss and chose to bowl first.
- Are Lumbini Lions still top of the NPL 2026 points table? — Yes. Despite their first defeat of the season, Lumbini still lead with seven points from five matches.
- What is Kathmandu Gorkhas’ next match? — Kathmandu face Chitwan Rhinos in the 20th match of NPL 2026 on Monday, 9 November 2026.
Conclusion
Kathmandu Gorkhas produced their most complete performance of NPL 2026 to hand Lumbini Lions their first defeat of the season. Warner’s class at the top, Arachchige’s late hitting and Jahandad’s devastating new-ball spell combined into a 36-run win that changes the shape of the points table. The defending champions remain top, but they are no longer unbeatable — and Kathmandu, on a three-match winning run, now look like genuine title contenders.
Full scorecard: Cricbuzz — Kathmandu Gorkhas vs Lumbini Lions, 18th Match
Green Benn is a dedicated sports writer specializing in cricket, including IPL and international formats. Known for clear, engaging, and informative content, Green simplifies complex match analysis and player statistics for all readers. Passionate about sports storytelling, Green delivers reliable, SEO-friendly articles that keep fans updated and informed
