Defending champions Lumbini LionsLL · LumbiniLumbini LionsSince 2024Champions 2025 opened their Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion, registering a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Sudurpaschim RoyalsSR · SudurpaschimSudurpaschim RoyalsSince 2024 in the season three opener at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Monday, October 26.

A disciplined bowling performance restricted Sudurpaschim to just 87 runs before Lumbini's top order made light work of the chase, reaching the target in only 9.5 overs.

The victory marked an impressive start to Lumbini's title defence, while Sudurpaschim, runners-up in both previous editions, were left searching for answers after a disappointing opening performance.

Kishore Mahato and Sher Malla Dominate with the Ball

Lumbini's bowlers established control early in the contest, leaving Sudurpaschim struggling to build partnerships throughout their innings.

Kishore MahatoLLKishore MahatoBowlerNepalRight Hand Bat emerged as the leading wicket-taker, returning impressive figures of 4/28 from his four overs. Off-spinner Sher MallaLLSher MallaAll-rounderNepalLeft-Handed provided excellent support with 3/11, applying sustained pressure through the middle overs.

Sudurpaschim's problems began during the powerplay, when they lost four wickets and struggled to establish any momentum. Mahato delivered a particularly damaging spell, removing Aarif SheikhASSRAarif SheikhBatterNepal for a duck and Brandon McMullenBMSRBrandon McMullenAll-rounder for just two runs.

Malla also made crucial breakthroughs, dismissing Binod Bhandari, Sherfane Rutherford and Scott Kuggeleijn.

Sudurpaschim captain Dipendra Singh AireeDSSRDipendra Singh AireeBatterNepal offered some resistance, scoring 27 from 23 deliveries, while Anil Kharel contributed an unbeaten 15. However, the batting unit failed to recover from its early collapse.

Mahato later dismissed Airee and Hemant Dhami off consecutive deliveries, narrowly missing out on a hat-trick.

Sudurpaschim were eventually bowled out for 87 in 17.2 overs, leaving Lumbini with a modest target of 88.

D'Arcy Short Powers Lumbini's Aggressive Run Chase

Lumbini approached the chase with attacking intent, led by Australian batter D'Arcy Short, who produced a rapid 40 from just 18 deliveries.

Short struck four boundaries and three sixes, immediately putting Sudurpaschim's bowlers under pressure. He began his innings with a six off Scott Kuggeleijn and maintained an aggressive approach throughout the opening overs.

At the other end, Aasif Sheikh contributed 32 from 25 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes.

The opening partnership proved decisive as Lumbini raced to 70 runs inside the six-over powerplay, effectively putting the result beyond Sudurpaschim's reach.

Left-arm spinner Anil Kharel eventually dismissed both openers, while Sudurpaschim captain Airee removed Niroshan Dickwella for seven.

However, the late wickets did little to change the outcome.

Lumbini captain Rohit Paudel remained unbeaten on five, alongside Shamim Hossain on one, as the defending champions completed their chase in just 9.5 overs. Paudel sealed the victory with a boundary off Airee.

NPL 2026 Opening Match: Key Statistics

  • Match : Lumbini Lions vs Sudurpaschim Royals
  • Venue : TU International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur
  • Sudurpaschim Royals : 87 all out (17.2 overs)
  • Lumbini Lions : 88/3 (9.5 overs)
  • Result : Lumbini Lions won by 7 wickets
  • Top scorer : D'Arcy Short — 40 (18)
  • Best bowling : Kishore Mahato — 4/28
  • Other key bowling : Sher Malla — 3/11

A Familiar Setback for Sudurpaschim Royals

The result was another frustrating encounter against Lumbini for Sudurpaschim Royals.

Having finished as runners-up in the first two seasons of the Nepal Premier League, Sudurpaschim entered the third edition hoping to finally claim the championship.

Their previous campaign ended in defeat against Lumbini in the final, when the Lions secured the title with a six-wicket victory.

Despite their strong record in the league stages of the previous two editions, Sudurpaschim's latest campaign began with a comprehensive defeat against the very opponents who denied them the trophy last season.

Strong Early Statement from the Defending Champions

For Lumbini Lions, the opening victory demonstrated a promising balance between their bowling attack and top-order batting.

Mahato and Malla's combined seven wickets laid the foundation, while Short and Aasif ensured the target was chased without unnecessary pressure.

The defending champions will take considerable confidence from their opening performance as they look to build momentum in the third edition of Nepal's premier franchise T20 competition.

For Sudurpaschim, the immediate priority will be addressing their batting difficulties and returning to the consistency that helped them reach consecutive NPL finals.

With their title defence underway, Lumbini have already delivered an early reminder of why they remain a formidable side in the Nepal Premier League.