Kathmandu, Dec. 11 -- Lumbini Lions struggled to put up a challenging total in Qualifier 2 of the Nepal Premier League on Thursday, managing only 134-8 against Biratnagar Kings at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, despite a steady second-wicket stand between captain Rohit Paudel and D'Arcy Short.

Sent in to bat after Biratnagar skipper Sandeep Lamichhane won the toss, Lumbini were rattled early when Dinesh Adhikari departed for just one run in the second over. Paudel and Short then rebuilt the innings, sharing a 69-run partnership off 54 balls to stabilise the Lions.

Paudel made 30 off 30 deliveries, hitting two fours and a six before being bowled by an impressive Subash Bhandari. Short top-scored with 45 off 41 balls, st...