Kathmandu Gurkhas vs Lumbini Lions Prediction: Who Will Win Eliminator T20 Nepal Premier League Match on 10th December 2025?
The Kathmandu Gurkhas vs Lumbini Lions prediction for the Eliminator of the Nepal Premier League 2025 promises a thrilling knockout contest as two strong teams battle for survival at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur. With both sides having shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, this high-pressure match becomes even more significant — one team advances to the Qualifier, and the other bids farewell to the tournament. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the competitive nature of both squads ensures that fans are in for a gripping showdown.
Kathmandu Gurkhas enter this Eliminator on strong footing, having won five of their seven league matches. Their lineup has shown balance, depth, and consistency across departments. Ben Charlesworth has been the heartbeat of their batting, delivering impactful starts, while John Simpson provides stability in the middle. Their bowling looks even more formidable with Karan KC and Shahab Alam leading the attack. Their earlier 21-run win over Lumbini Lions this season adds confidence heading into this crucial encounter.
Lumbini Lions, meanwhile, are determined to avenge that defeat. Led by Rohit Paudel, who has been their most reliable batter, the Lions possess key match-winners like D’Arcy Short, Sher Malla, and Niroshan Dickwella. But inconsistency in their bowling remains a key concern, especially against a team that thrives on momentum like Kathmandu.
Given the nature of knockout cricket, pressure moments, pitch behavior, and individual brilliance will play decisive roles. As we analyze the Kathmandu Gurkhas vs Lumbini Lions prediction, both squads appear capable of turning this into one of the most exciting matches of the tournament.
- Kathmandu defeated Lumbini by 21 runs earlier this season.
- Ben Charlesworth, John Simpson & Karan KC crucial for Kathmandu.
- Lumbini banking on Paudel, D’Arcy Short & Sher Malla.
- A competitive total at Kirtipur will be around 170–180 runs.
Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | KMG vs LL, Eliminator – Nepal Premier League 2025 |
| Date | Wednesday, 10 December 2025 |
| Time | 3:15 PM |
| Venue | Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur |
Team Previews
Kathmandu Gurkhas Team Preview
Kathmandu Gurkhas have had one of the most impressive league campaigns, finishing with five wins and just two losses. Their strength lies in their balanced batting unit and a bowling attack capable of picking wickets consistently across phases. The Gurkhas defeated Lumbini Lions earlier this season by 21 runs, which gives them a psychological edge heading into this knockout fixture.
Ben Charlesworth has been a standout performer with 197 runs in seven matches. His ability to stabilize early overs while rotating strike at a steady tempo has been crucial. Alongside him, John Simpson has been a dependable middle-order contributor with 154 runs at an excellent strike rate of 180. Milind Kumar and Aakash Tripathi also add strength to the batting lineup, ensuring depth until the lower middle order.
Bowling remains Kathmandu’s biggest strength. Skipper Karan KC has led with authority, picking up 12 wickets at a tidy economy of 7.28. Shahab Alam has matched him with 12 wickets of his own while maintaining an economy under 6.5. Rashid Khan provides the X-factor through sharp leg-spin and wicket-taking ability. Santosh Yadav and Mohammad Aadil Alam complete a well-rounded bowling attack.
Kathmandu’s strategy revolves around early wickets and restricting opposition batters in the middle overs. With strong momentum and confidence, the Gurkhas look well-equipped to dominate this Eliminator.
Lumbini Lions Team Preview
Lumbini Lions finished fourth in the league stage and have been a competitive unit throughout the season. However, inconsistency — especially with the ball — remains their biggest challenge. Their previous loss against Kathmandu will still be fresh, but the Lions have enough match-winners to turn the tables.
Skipper Rohit Paudel is the team’s most influential batter with 208 runs in seven games. His ability to construct long innings makes him crucial for the Lions, particularly under pressure. D’Arcy Short, with 164 runs, brings international experience and explosive top-order hitting. The recent inclusion of Niroshan Dickwella has significantly strengthened their batting — his 83 runs in just three matches at a strike rate of 130 provide middle-order firepower.
Sher Malla remains their most reliable bowler with 10 wickets, offering control and accuracy. Ruben Trumpelmann, despite having good pace and variation, has lacked consistency and must step up in this Eliminator. Abhishesh Gautam, with his effective lines, has contributed 6 wickets, but Lumbini’s bowling as a unit has struggled, conceding too many runs in key moments.
The Lions need tighter discipline with the new ball, improved death bowling, and stronger top-order performances if they want to challenge a consistent Kathmandu side. Their hopes may largely rest on Paudel, D’Arcy Short, and Malla delivering standout performances.
Also Check: Nepal Premier League 2025: Points Table, Most Runs & Most Wickets
Team Squads
Kathmandu Gurkhas Squad
Ben Charlesworth, Aakash Tripathi, Milind Kumar, Sunny Patel, John Simpson (WK), Rashid Khan, Bhim Sharki, Karan KC (C), Santosh Yadav, Shahab Alam, Mohammad Aadil Alam.
Lumbini Lions Squad
Sumit Maharjan, D’Arcy Short, Rohit Paudel (C), Sundeep Jora, Niroshan Dickwella (WK), Dilip Nath, JJ Smit, Sher Malla, Ruben Trumpelmann, Tilak Bhandari, Abhishesh Gautam.
Probable Playing XI
| Kathmandu Gurkhas | Lumbini Lions |
|---|---|
| Ben Charlesworth | Sumit Maharjan |
| Aakash Tripathi | D’Arcy Short |
| Milind Kumar | Rohit Paudel (C) |
| Sunny Patel | Sundeep Jora |
| John Simpson (WK) | Niroshan Dickwella (WK) |
| Rashid Khan | Dilip Nath |
| Bhim Sharki | JJ Smit |
| Karan KC (C) | Sher Malla |
| Santosh Yadav | Ruben Trumpelmann |
| Shahab Alam | Tilak Bhandari |
| Mohammad Aadil Alam | Abhishesh Gautam |
Kathmandu Gurkhas vs Lumbini Lions Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction
| Role | Player |
|---|---|
| WK | John Simpson |
| WK | Niroshan Dickwella |
| Bat | Ben Charlesworth |
| Bat | Rohit Paudel |
| Bat | D’Arcy Short |
| AR | Rashid Khan |
| AR | JJ Smit |
| Bowl | Karan KC |
| Bowl | Shahab Alam |
| Bowl | Sher Malla |
| Bowl | Ruben Trumpelmann |
This Fantasy XI is built around consistency, recent form, and ability to deliver in pressure matches. John Simpson and Niroshan Dickwella are strong wicketkeeping picks due to their strike rotation and boundary options. Ben Charlesworth is Kathmandu’s in-form top-order batter, making him a must-pick.
Rohit Paudel and D’Arcy Short provide the perfect mix of stability and aggression. Rashid Khan and JJ Smit strengthen the all-rounder department — Rashid brings immense wicket-taking potential, while Smit contributes with both bat and ball.
Karan KC and Shahab Alam form a powerful Kathmandu bowling pair. Sher Malla and Ruben Trumpelmann deliver pace and control for Lumbini, making them valuable picks for fantasy contests.
Captain & Vice-Captain Picks
- Captain: Ben Charlesworth
- Vice-Captain: D’Arcy Short
Players to Avoid
- Tilak Bhandari (inconsistent)
- Sunny Patel (limited impact recently)
Also Check: Get The Best Dream11 Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team Today
Kathmandu Gurkhas enter this Eliminator as the more balanced and consistent side. Their batting lineup is in strong form, led by the aggressive yet composed Ben Charlesworth and the experienced John Simpson. Their bowling unit is significantly superior, with Karan KC and Shahab Alam consistently delivering breakthroughs. Rashid Khan adds world-class spin quality, which could be decisive in Kirtipur’s conditions. Lumbini Lions rely heavily on Paudel and D’Arcy Short, and their bowling lacks the penetration Kathmandu possess. Overall, Kathmandu’s momentum, squad depth, and earlier win over Lumbini give them a clear advantage.
Pitch Report
The surface at Tribhuvan University Ground is known for good batting conditions, especially in the first innings. The ball comes nicely onto the bat, allowing stroke-makers to score freely. However, as the match progresses, spinners come into play with noticeable grip and turn. Pacers who rely on variations also find rewards during middle overs. A first-innings score of around 170–180 is competitive. Dew may influence the second innings slightly, making chasing marginally easier.
Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground – T20I Ground Records & Statistics
| Category | Record / Value |
|---|---|
| City | Kirtipur |
| Also or Previously Known as | Kirtipur Cricket Stadium |
| Matches Played | 34 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 18 (52.94%) |
| Matches Won Batting Second | 14 (41.18%) |
| Matches Won Winning Toss | 13 (38.24%) |
| Matches Won Losing Toss | 19 (55.88%) |
| Matches Tied | 1 (2.94%) |
| Matches with No Result | 1 (2.94%) |
| Highest Individual Innings | 135 – M. Levitt (Netherlands), 29/02/2024 vs Namibia |
| Best Bowling | 5/16 – Muhammad Amir (Malaysia), 02/11/2023 vs Singapore |
| Highest Team Innings | 247/5 – Netherlands, 29/02/2024 vs Namibia |
| Lowest Team Innings | 96 – Netherlands, 24/04/2021 vs Nepal |
| Highest Run Chase Achieved | 209/7 – Netherlands, 20/04/2021 vs Nepal |
| Average Runs per Wicket | 24.51 |
| Average Runs per Over | 8.40 |
| Average Score Batting First | 169 |
Weather Report
| Weather Element | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 18–23°C |
| Humidity | 62% |
| Rain Probability | Low |
| Wind Speed | Mild breeze |
Expect pleasant cricketing weather with no major rain threats. Mild wind and moderate humidity create ideal playing conditions, ensuring full match play without interruptions.
Broadcast Details
The Kathmandu Gurkhas vs Lumbini Lions Eliminator will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network, ensuring high-quality coverage across regions. Fans can also stream the match live on FanCode, which provides ball-by-ball updates, pre-match insights, and full digital access for mobile and desktop viewers.
Toss Prediction
Teams winning the toss at Kirtipur usually prefer batting first because the pitch tends to slow down slightly in the second innings, offering turn and grip to spinners. With knockout pressure in play, posting a strong total of 170+ could be a winning strategy. Expect Kathmandu to choose batting first if they win the toss.
Score Prediction
If Kathmandu Gurkhas bat first: 158+
If Lumbini Lions bat first: 147+
The pitch supports top-order aggression, but disciplined bowling in middle overs may control the run rate.
Probable Best Batsman & Bowler
Best Batsman:
Ben Charlesworth is the most promising batter in this match. His consistent ability to score 30+ knocks and anchor the innings makes him a top contender for the highest run-scorer. For Lumbini, Rohit Paudel holds similar potential, especially during high-pressure fixtures.
Best Bowler:
Karan KC is likely to be the top bowler owing to his wicket-taking consistency and strong death bowling. Sher Malla is Lumbini’s best bowling option due to his control and economy during crucial phases.
Also Check For More: Nepal Premier League Prediction
Match Prediction
Given their strong batting depth, superior bowling attack, and current momentum, Kathmandu Gurkhas hold the edge in this Eliminator match. Their previous win over Lumbini and the form of key players like Charlesworth, Simpson, Karan KC, and Shahab Alam further boosts their chances. Our Winner: Kathmandu Gurkhas Will Win.
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
Disclaimer: Predictions are for entertainment purposes only. We don’t get involved in or promote betting or gambling. Also, We strongly discourage behaviors of participating in illegal activities related to cricket. Our experts try to be as correct as possible, but we do not guarantee 100% correctness.
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