Weak Batting Performance by Sudurpashchim; Lumbini Capitalizes to Win NPL Opener
26th October 2026, Kathmandu
The third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) kicked off today at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. In the opening match, Lumbini Lions secured a comfortable 7-wicket victory over Sudurpashchim Royals.
This match was a repeat of last season’s final, where Lumbini had also defeated Sudurpashchim. Once again, Sudurpashchim’s batting struggles returned, allowing Lumbini to take full advantage.
In last season’s final, Sudurpashchim was bowled out for just 85 runs. This season, they managed to add only 2 more runs, stopping at 87.
Match Highlights
Sudurpashchim Royals (1st Innings):
Score: 87 All Out
Batting Breakdown: After losing the toss and being put in to bat, Sudurpashchim lost their first wicket at 24 runs when opener Binod Bhandari was dismissed for 9 runs by Sher Malla. The collapse continued as wickets fell regularly at scores of 26, 28, 34, 53, 56, 70, and finally 87.
Top Scorer: Captain Dipendra Singh Airee was the top scorer with 27 runs.
Advertisement
Lumbini Bowling: Kishore Mahato was the standout bowler, taking 4 wickets, while Sher Malla took 3 wickets.
Lumbini Lions (2nd Innings):
Target: 88 runs
Score: 88/3 in 9.5 overs (Won by 7 wickets)
Top Scorers: D’Arcy Short scored the most with 40 runs, supported by Aasif Sheikh with 32 runs.
Sudurpashchim Bowling: Anil Kharel picked up 2 wickets, and Captain Dipendra Singh Airee claimed 1 wicket.
Looking Ahead
After repeating their poor batting form from the previous season, Sudurpashchim will be hoping for a bounce-back performance in their next match. Meanwhile, defending champions Lumbini Lions will look to build on this dominant start for their upcoming fixtures.
