Kathmandu: National captain Rohit Paudel-led Lumbini Lions booked their place in Qualifier 2 of the Nepal Premier League with a comfortable four-wicket victory over Kathmandu Gorkhas in the Eliminator on Wednesday.

Electing to bat first, the Gorkhas were bowled out for a meagre 111 in 19.1 overs after their top order failed to deliver at Tu Cricket Stadium. In reply, the Lions chased down the target with ease, reaching 112-6 in 17.4 overs.

The Lions will now face Sandeep Lamichhane-led Biratnagar Kings in Qualifier 2 on Thursday for a spot in the final. Sudurpaschim Royals have already secured their place in the title clash for the second consecutive year.

Kathmandu endured a disastrous start, losing openers Ben Charlesworth (4) and Aakash Tripathi (1) cheaply, along with top-order batters Sunny Patel (7) and Milind Kumar (2), to slump to 14-4.

Lower-middle-order batter Santosh Yadav top-scored with 23 off 17 balls, including a boundary, before being run out as the last wicket to fall.

John Simpson (18 off 17), Md Aadil Alam (18 off 11) and Bhim Sharki (14 off 16) were the only other batters to reach double figures.

For the Lions, Sher Malla and skipper Paudel picked up three wickets each, while Ruben Trumpelmann claimed two. Malla conceded 22 runs from his four overs, and Paudel gave away 25 runs in his full quota.

In the chase, opener D’Arcy Short top-scored with a steady 33 off 34 balls, hitting two towering sixes. Sundeep Jora contributed a run-a-ball 23 with a boundary and a six, while captain Paudel added a patient 18 off 25, also striking a four and a six. Niroshan Dickwella chipped in with 14 off 14.

Ruben Trumpelmann sealed the win with a boundary, finishing unbeaten on five from two deliveries.

For the Gorkhas, Santosh Yadav took 2-17 from his two overs while Rashid Khan, Shahab Alam, Sunny Patel and Karan KC claimed a wicket apiece.