Kathmandu, October 26, 2026 — Defending champions Lumbini Lions began their Nepal Premier League (NPL) campaign with a seven-wicket victory over Sudurpaschim Royals, chasing a target of 88 runs in just 9.5 overs at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground.
Opener D’Arcy Short led the chase with 40 off 18 balls, hitting four boundaries and three sixes. He shared a 71-run opening partnership with Asif Sheikh, who contributed 32 runs, putting Lumbini firmly in control.
Niroshan Dickwella scored seven before being bowled, while Shamim Hussain remained unbeaten on one and captain Rohit Paudel on five as Lumbini reached the target with three wickets down.
For Sudurpaschim, Anil Kharel took two wickets and captain Dipendra Singh Airee claimed one.
Earlier, Sudurpaschim were bowled out for 87 in 17.2 overs after losing the toss and batting first. Airee top-scored with 27 runs, while Saif Zaib made 13, Binod scored nine, Ishan Pandey seven, Brandon McMullen two and Sherfane Rutherford one. Anil Kharel remained unbeaten on 17. Scott Kuggeleijn and Hemant Dhami were dismissed without scoring.
Lumbini’s bowlers restricted the Royals’ total through a strong collective performance. Kishore Mahato took four wickets and Sher Malla claimed three. Captain Rohit Paudel, Tilakraj Bhandari and Shadley van Schalkwyk took one wicket each.
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The match also saw the use of the Decision Review System (DRS) for the first time in Nepal. In the final ball of the second over, Lumbini’s Sher Malla appealed for leg before wicket, but the umpire ruled the batter not out. Captain Paudel opted for a review, which did not overturn the decision.
Two more NPL matches are scheduled for Tuesday. Biratnagar Kings will face Chitwan Rhinos at 12:30 pm, followed by Karnali Yaks against Janakpur Bolts at 5 pm.