Lumbini Lions Secure Dominant Start to Nepal Premier League 2026 Campaign

26th October 2026, Kathmandu

Defending champions Lumbini Lions kicked off their Nepal Premier League (NPL) campaign with a spectacular 7-wicket victory against Sudurpashchim Royals at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.

Chasing a modest target of 88 runs, Lumbini completed the run chase effortlessly, reaching 88/3 in just 9.5 overs.

D’Arcy Short and Aasif Sheikh Lead the Chase

Australian powerhouse D’Arcy Short spearheaded the chase with a quickfire 40 off just 18 balls, hitting four boundaries and three massive sixes. He was strongly supported by opening partner Aasif Sheikh, who scored a solid 32 off 25 deliveries.

For Sudurpashchim Royals, spinner Anil Kharel bagged 2 wickets for 9 runs, while captain Dipendra Singh Airee claimed 1 wicket.

Kisor Mahato and Sher Malla Dismantle Sudurpashchim

Earlier in the day, Lumbini Lions won the toss and elected to field. Sudurpashchim Royals struggled against a disciplined bowling attack and were bundled out for just 87 runs in 17.2 overs.

Captain Dipendra Singh Airee top-scored for the Royals with 27 runs off 23 balls, while Saif Zaib added 13 runs.

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Lumbini’s bowling charge was led by pacer Kisor Mahato, who picked up an outstanding 4 wickets for 22 runs. Spinner Sher Malla delivered a highly economical spell, taking 3 wickets for just 11 runs in his 4 overs, earning the Player of the Match title. Shadley van Schalkwyk, Tilak Bhandari, and Rohit Paudel chipped in with a wicket each.

This fixture was a rematch of the previous edition’s final, where Lumbini Lions had also emerged victorious against Sudurpashchim.

Upcoming NPL Fixtures

Two double-header matches are scheduled for tomorrow under the NPL tournament:

First Match (12:30 PM): Biratnagar Kings vs. Chitwan Rhinos

Second Match (5:00 PM): Janakpur Bolts vs. Karnali Yaks

For more: Lumbini Lions Secure Dominant Start