KATHMANDU, Oct 26: Defending champions Lumbini Lions were set a modest target of 88 runs after Sudurpaschim Royals were bowled out for 87 in 17.2 overs in the opening match of the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Monday.
Sudurpaschim captain Dipendra Singh Airee top-scored with 27 off 23 balls, while opener Saif Zaib contributed 13 off 14 balls. The rest of the batting lineup failed to make a significant contribution.
Kishore Mahato led Lumbini’s bowling attack, taking four wickets for 28 runs in four overs. Sher Malla claimed three wickets, while captain Rohit Kumar Paudel, Shadley van Schalkwyk and Tilak Bhandari took one wicket each.
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The match also saw Sudurpaschim’s overseas player Scott Kuggeleijn become the first player in NPL history to be dismissed following a Decision Review System (DRS) review. He was given out leg before wicket (LBW) off Malla in the 9.4th over.
Organized by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), the tournament will run until November 21. Eight franchise teams are competing in the league stage: Lumbini Lions, Sudurpaschim Royals, Biratnagar Kings, Chitwan Rhinos, Karnali Yaks, Janakpur Bolts, Pokhara Avengers and Kathmandu Gorkhas.
The third edition also features a significant increase in prize money. The champions will receive Rs 15 million, while the runners-up will take home Rs 8 million. The third- and fourth-placed teams will receive Rs 4 million and Rs 3 million, respectively. Winners of the first two editions received Rs 10 million each.
CAN expects revenue from sponsorships, ticket sales and broadcasting rights to rise significantly this season. According to CAN Treasurer Padam Khadka, the tournament is projected to generate total revenue of Rs 1.5 billion, including Rs 200 million from sponsorships and more than Rs 700 million from ticket sales and broadcasting rights.