Cricket Events

Lumbini has yet again obtained a perfect score against Sagarmatha beating them comprehensively. Sagar Khadka and Noor Thapa’s final wicket partnership has prevailed over Sagarmatha’s bowling. Needless to say that the victory against Nepcoms Laligurans has provided a sound platform for Lumbini to have a strategic format against much stronger opponents like Sagarmatha. Captain Dipendra Bhattarai elected to field firs, once won the toss. Opening pace attack duo Kiran Bhattarai and Ram Chandra bowled with probing line and length. Sagarmatha’s Rajendra Shrestha (1) found himself out of rhythm getting beaten outside off stumps one too many times. Govind Karki took a sharp catch off Kiran to brought Rajendra’s demise. However, Robin Tamrakar (24) and Atul Shrestha (11) pushed the score to 54 for the loss of 1 wicket in 14 overs. Therefore, with the searing heat of 33 degrees the option was trivial on Lumbini’s part. Sagarmatha’s fate changed as quickly as the weather dropping to 18 degrees. Sagar Khadka ruffled Sagarmatha’s middle order bringing the total to mercy. Atul played an untimely stroke to sky one off Sagar, where Govind swallowed it mid on. Robin Tamrakar lost his leg stumps playing the cherry in a wrong line for one of Sagar’s drifter. Captain Dipendra Bhattarai brought himself to bowl removing Aakash Bhattarai for 4 and Abnish Nepal for 2. From a strong position of 55 runs for 2, Sagarmatha seemed feeble with score board reading 80 for 6. With timely introduction of Ram Chandra in tandem with spinners yield further wickets for Lumbini, claiming the wickets of Sameer (1), Aashish (0) and Ruben Singh (1). Raghav showed great promises with his 8 not out. He remained calm under tough environment, the trait most of Sagarmatha’s batsmen lacked. However, Sagarmatha only managed 91 runs playing only 26 overs. Without experienced campaigners like Rajesh Dev Panta and Shashi Keshari, Sagarmatha lacked batting intensity and set game plan for victory. Lumbini did not miss the beat with Abhay Shrestha (11) and Govind Karki (14) build a good foundation to their run chase with 31 runs. Captain Ruben Singh opened the bowling, though he was far from his best. Experienced Abanish Nepal was opted by Ruben Singh to use new ball as opposed to young speedster Aashish Shrestha. The ploy worked well for Sagarmatha as Abnish removed both openers, just when they threatened to take the game away. Ram Chandra only managed 6 runs before running himself out. However, safe as house ‘Sagar Khadka’ led the way with 22 runs to guide the victory for Lumbini in just over 17 overs. Noor Thapa also showed his prowess with 6 off the very first ball, with the tally of 22 runs just off 19 deliveries. Where Sagar steadied the ship, Noor excelled it. Man of the Match was awarded to Sagar for his fine display with both batting and bowling. It appeared that bowling changes was working in the favour of Lumbini. A slump in bowling form has revealed poor stats for Govind karki in the past few games. His contribution holds significant meaning for Lumbini; no doubt his performance will be closely monitored as the game hits its final destination.