Defending champions Lumbini Lions kicked off their Nepal Premier League (NPL) Season 3 campaign in emphatic fashion, securing a commanding seven-wicket victory over Sudurpaschim Royals at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur.
A dominant bowling display followed by an explosive batting performance saw the Lions chase down a target of 88 runs in just 9.5 overs, getting their title defence off to a winning start against last season’s finalists.
Winning the toss, Lumbini captain Rohit Kumar Paudel elected to field first, a decision that quickly paid dividends as the Lions’ bowling attack dismantled the Royals’ batting lineup.
Kishore Mahato led the charge with a four-wicket haul, while Sher Malla claimed three wickets to keep Sudurpaschim under relentless pressure. The Royals struggled to establish partnerships, losing wickets at regular intervals before being bowled out for 87 in 17.2 overs.
Captain Dipendra Singh Airee top-scored for Sudurpaschim with 27 runs off 23 deliveries, while Anil Kharel remained unbeaten on 15. The Lions’ disciplined bowling effort ensured the defending champions had a manageable target to pursue.
In reply, Australian opener D’Arcy Short provided an explosive start, setting the tone from the very first delivery. Short smashed 40 runs off just 18 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes, putting the Royals’ bowlers on the back foot.
At the other end, Aasif Sheikh complemented the assault with a fluent 32 off 25 deliveries, striking two fours and two sixes. The pair powered Lumbini to 70 runs in the six-over powerplay, establishing firm control of the chase.
Although Anil Kharel struck twice to dismiss Short and Sheikh, the Lions remained firmly in command. Niroshan Dickwella departed for seven before captain Rohit Paudel finished the chase in style, striking the winning boundary to seal the victory.
Paudel remained unbeaten on five, alongside Shamim Hossain, who finished not out on one, as Lumbini reached 88/3 in 9.5 overs to complete a seven-wicket win with 61 balls remaining.
Sher Malla was named Player of the Match for his outstanding bowling performance, playing a pivotal role in restricting the Royals to a below-par total.
The victory marks a confident beginning to Lumbini Lions’ title defence, as the reigning champions carry forward their momentum from last season’s title-winning campaign. With contributions across the bowling and batting departments, the Lions have made a strong early statement in NPL Season 3.
