Lumbini Lions vs Janakpur Bolts Prediction: Who Will Win 25th T20 Nepal Premier League Match on 5th December 2025?
With the Nepal Premier League 2025 heading toward its climax, one of the most anticipated fixtures of the group stage sees Lumbini Lions take on the struggling Janakpur Bolts in a high-stakes clash. As fans search for a clear and insightful Lumbini Lions vs Janakpur Bolts prediction, the context of this match makes it all the more important. For Lumbini Lions, a victory here means sealing a well-deserved playoff spot. For Janakpur Bolts, defeat will send them crashing out of the tournament. Scheduled for Friday, 5th December 2025 at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, this game carries immense weight for both sides.
Lumbini Lions have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, with three wins from six matches. Their recent five-wicket win over Biratnagar Kings has boosted their momentum, lifting them from sixth place to fourth. With players like Rohit Paudel, D’Arcy Short, Niroshan Dickwella, and Sher Malla stepping up when required, the Lions look like a side ready for knockout cricket.
Janakpur Bolts, however, have had a frustrating campaign with four defeats from five matches. Their middle-order inconsistencies, bowling struggles, and lack of match-winning partnerships have kept them pinned to the bottom of the table. Players like Maaz Sadaqat, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, and Loftie-Eaton have stood out individually, but the lack of collective team effort has hurt their progress.
This detailed Lumbini Lions vs Janakpur Bolts prediction breaks down team previews, fantasy picks, pitch conditions, score projections, probable XIs, and final match verdict.
- Lumbini Lions can qualify for the playoffs with a win.
- Janakpur Bolts will be eliminated if they lose.
- A competitive total at Kirtipur is expected to be around 170.
- Key players: Rohit Paudel, D’Arcy Short, Sher Malla for Lions; Sadaqat, Krishnamurthi, Loftie-Eaton for Bolts.
Match Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | LL vs JKB, 25th T20 Nepal Premier League |
| Date | Friday, December 5th, 2025 |
| Time | 3:45 PM |
| Venue | Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur |
Lumbini Lions Team Preview
Lumbini Lions have enjoyed a balanced season so far, with three victories and three defeats placing them in a promising position ahead of their final group-stage match. Their five-wicket win over Biratnagar Kings was a major boost, lifting them from sixth to fourth on the points table. Now with six points in hand, a win in this match will confirm their playoff qualification.
Rohit Paudel has led the batting efforts with maturity and consistency. The captain has scored 174 runs across four innings, averaging 29 with a strike rate close to 100. He remains the most dependable batter in pressure situations. D’Arcy Short, the explosive Australian opener, has contributed 134 runs across six innings and has been improving steadily. His recent 57 off 44 balls shows he is peaking at the right moment.
The Lions’ middle order has been somewhat inconsistent, but players like Dilip Nath and Sundeep Jora have shown they can stabilize innings when required. Niroshan Dickwella, though yet to produce a big knock, remains a dangerous proposition.
Bowling has been a mixed bag for Lumbini. Sher Malla is their standout performer with eight wickets in six games at a tidy economy of 7.15. Ruben Trumpelmann’s pace and Abhishesh Gautam’s variations have added 11 wickets between them. However, the rest of the attack has lacked penetration, an area Lumbini must strengthen before entering the knockout stages.
Despite their inconsistencies, the Lions have shown better balance and structure than Janakpur Bolts. They will enter this match as favourites.
Janakpur Bolts Team Preview
Janakpur Bolts’ campaign has been extremely disappointing, with just one win from five matches. They sit at the bottom of the table with only two points and a negative net run rate of -0.516. A defeat in this match will officially eliminate them from the tournament.
Their batting order has been inconsistent. Sanjay Krishnamurthi has been the most positive contributor, scoring 102 runs in five matches with a strike rate of 126. Maaz Sadaqat and Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton have also shown flashes of promise, with both scoring over 95 runs this season. However, the side desperately needs stronger innings from senior batters like Aasif Sheikh and Anil Sah, who have failed to convert starts.
Bowling has been another concerning area. Sanjay Krishnamurthi again tops the bowling charts with 5 wickets, demonstrating his all-round value. Sadaqat and Rupesh Singh have taken six wickets between them. But the rest of the bowling group has failed to maintain discipline, often leaking runs and failing to take wickets at crucial moments.
Skipper Wayne Parnell has been under pressure as well, unable to extract the best from his squad. Though experienced, Parnell has struggled with both bat and ball.
Janakpur Bolts will need an extraordinary collective effort to challenge the stronger and more confident Lions in this match.
Also Check: Nepal Premier League 2025: Points Table, Most Runs & Most Wickets
Team Squad
Lumbini Lions Squad:
Rohit Paudel, D’Arcy Short, Niroshan Dickwella, Dilip Nath, Sundeep Jora, Sher Malla, JJ Smit, Ruben Trumpelmann, Abhishesh Gautam, Tilak Bhandari, Sumit Maharjan.
Janakpur Bolts Squad:
Sadaqat, Krishnamurthi, Loftie-Eaton, Aasif Sheikh, Anil Sah, Wayne Parnell, Rupesh Singh, Mayan Yadav, Aaditya Mahata, Sachin Bhatt, Shubh Kansakar.
Probable Playing XI
| Lumbini Lions | Janakpur Bolts |
|---|---|
| D’Arcy Short | Maaz Sadaqat |
| Sumit Maharjan | Aasif Sheikh (wk) |
| Rohit Paudel (c) | Anil Sah |
| Niroshan Dickwella (wk) | Mayan Yadav |
| Dilip Nath | Loftie-Eaton |
| Sundeep Jora | Krishnamurthi |
| JJ Smit | Aaditya Mahata |
| Ruben Trumpelmann | Shubh Kansakar |
| Sher Malla | Wayne Parnell (c) |
| Tilak Bhandari | Sachin Bhatt |
| Abhishesh Gautam | Rupesh Singh |
Lumbini Lions vs Janakpur Bolts Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| WK | Niroshan Dickwella |
| BAT | Rohit Paudel, D’Arcy Short, Loftie-Eaton |
| ALL | Krishnamurthi, JJ Smit, Sher Malla |
| BOWL | Trumpelmann, Rupesh Singh, Gautam, Tilak Bhandari |
This fantasy lineup focuses on high-impact all-rounders and consistent batters. Niroshan Dickwella is selected as the wicketkeeper due to his aggressive approach and involvement in multiple dismissals. D’Arcy Short and Rohit Paudel are automatic picks because of their match-winning potential. Loftie-Eaton adds stability with his all-round capability.
In the all-rounder section, Krishnamurthi is a must-have. He contributes meaningfully with both bat and ball and is Janakpur’s most reliable performer. JJ Smit brings finishing power and valuable overs, while Sher Malla has been one of the standout bowlers this season and is capable of producing clutch performances.
The bowling unit is led by Trumpelmann, who excels in the powerplay, and Rupesh Singh, who offers wicket-taking abilities in the middle overs. Abhishesh Gautam provides spin control, and Tilak Bhandari offers variety and skill.
This fantasy XI is well-balanced with wicket-taking bowlers, strong all-rounders, and in-form batters.
Captain & Vice-Captain Picks
- Captain: D’Arcy Short
- Vice-Captain: Rohit Paudel
Players to Avoid
- Aasif Sheikh (inconsistent)
- Anil Sah (low-impact performances)
Also Check: Get The Best Dream11 Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team Today
Lumbini Lions enter this match as firm favourites due to their momentum, squad strength, and superior balance across departments. Their batting lineup, led by Paudel and Short, has shown structure and adaptability, while their bowling attack—though lacking depth—has consistently delivered breakthroughs through Sher Malla and Trumpelmann. Their recent win over Biratnagar showcased their improved finishing ability and smart game awareness.
Janakpur Bolts, despite having talented individuals, have struggled to produce cohesive team performances. Their bowling has lacked penetration, and their batting collapses at crucial stages have prevented them from building competitive totals. Against a well-settled Lumbini unit, Janakpur will need a near-perfect game to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Pitch Report
The Tribhuvan University pitch generally supports balanced cricket. Early on, seamers enjoy movement due to fresh grass and cool morning air. Batting becomes easier once players adjust, with scores around 160–175 being competitive. As the match progresses, spin comes into play, causing grip and slower bounce. Teams prefer chasing here due to slight dew in evening matches.
Weather Report
Clear skies are expected in Kirtipur with no rain forecast. Conditions will be ideal for a full 20-over match.
Broadcast Details
The match will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network, with online streaming available on FanCode.
Toss Prediction
Lumbini Lions are likely to win the toss and choose to bowl first, given the chasing advantage on this ground.
Score Prediction
If Lumbini Lions bat first: 158+
If Janakpur Bolts bat first: 141+
The Lions’ batting depth gives them a stronger scoring potential.
Probable Best Batsman & Bowler
Best Batsman:
D’Arcy Short is in excellent touch and could dominate the top order. Rohit Paudel is another strong contender due to his consistency in pressure situations.
Best Bowler:
Sher Malla remains Lumbini’s most reliable wicket-taker with excellent control. Ruben Trumpelmann’s pace and new-ball movement could trouble Janakpur’s shaky top order.
Also Check For More: Nepal Premier League Prediction
Match Prediction
Given their form, momentum, and superior squad balance, Lumbini Lions are expected to control this contest from start to finish. Janakpur Bolts will need extraordinary performances to stay alive in the tournament, but their recent struggles suggest a difficult task.
Predicted Winner: Lumbini Lions
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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