KATHMANDU: Defending champion Lumbini Lions has made a winning start in the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL).
In the opening match held on Monday, defending champion Lumbini defeated defending runner-up Sudurpaschim Royals by 7 wickets.
Invited to bat after losing the toss at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Sudurpaschim was bundled out for 87 runs in 17.2 overs.
For Sudurpaschim, captain Dipendra Singh Airee made the highest score of 27 runs. Similarly, Anil Kharel remained unbeaten on 15 runs, while Saif Zaib added 13 runs. No other batters could score in double digits.
In bowling, Kishore Mahato of Lumbini took the highest 4 wickets. Sher Malla claimed 3 wickets, while Shadley van Schalkwyk, Rohit Paudel, and Tilak Bhandari took 1 wicket each.
Chasing the modest target of 88 runs, Lumbini achieved victory in 9.5 overs at the loss of 3 wickets.
