KATHMANDU: Defending champions Lumbini Lions have made an impressive start to their title defence in the 2026 Nepal Premier League (NPL), defeating Sudurpaschim Royals by seven wickets in the tournament’s inaugural match.
At the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Lumbini Lions, led by Rohit Paudel, won the toss and elected to field first, restricting Sudurpaschim Royals to a meagre 87 runs in 17.2 overs.
Sher Malla struck in the third over, trapping Sudurpaschim captain Binod Bhandari leg before wicket (LBW). Kishore Mahato then struck twice in the fourth over, dismissing 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) reaching double figures among the top-order batters. Anil Kharel remained unbeaten on 15 runs.
Mahato led Lumbini’s bowling attack with four wickets, while Malla claimed three. Shadley van Schalkwyk, Tilak Bhandari and Rohit Paudel took one wicket each.
Chasing a target of 88 runs, Lumbini made light work of the pursuit, reaching 91 runs for the loss of three wickets in just 9.5 overs. Opener D’Arcy Short smashed 40 runs off just 18 balls, while his opening partner, Aasif Sheikh, contributed 32 runs off 25 balls. Niroshan Dickwella added seven runs.
For Sudurpaschim, Anil Kharel claimed two wickets, while captain Dipendra Singh Airee took one.
The 2026 edition marks the third edition of the Nepal Premier League, a franchise-based T20 cricket tournament organised by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN). Eight franchises are competing in the tournament: Lumbini Lions, Sudurpaschim Royals, Karnali Yaks, Janakpur Bolts, Pokhara Avengers, Biratnagar Kings, Chitwan Rhinos and Kathmandu Gorkhas.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially recognised the NPL T20 tournament from this edition. The Decision Review System (DRS) has also been introduced for the first time in the competition’s third edition.
Earlier, Prime Minister Balendra Shah inaugurated the third edition of the Nepal Premier League by handing the match ball to the umpire ahead of the opening match between Lumbini Lions and Sudurpaschim Royals.