KATHMANDU: Defending champions Lumbini Lions made an impressive start to their title defence in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2026, bowling out Sudurpaschim Royals for just 87 runs in 17.2 overs.
In the opening match of the tournament at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Lumbini Lions, led by Rohit Paudel, won the toss and elected to field first.
Lumbini’s bowlers quickly dismantled the Sudurpaschim batting line-up. Sher Malla struck in the third over, dismissing captain Binod Bhandari leg before wicket (LBW). Kishore Mahato then claimed two wickets in the fourth over, removing Aarif Sheikh and Brandon McMullen.
Sudurpaschim continued to lose wickets at regular intervals, with only captain Dipendra Singh Airee (27) and opener Saif Zaib (13) managing to score in double figures. Anil Kharel remained unbeaten on 15 runs.
Mahato was the pick of the Lumbini bowlers, taking four wickets, while Malla claimed three. Shadley van Schalkwyk, Tilak Bhandari and Rohit Paudel took one wicket each.
The NPL, organised by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), is a franchise-based T20 cricket tournament featuring eight teams. The 2026 edition marks the competition’s third season.