KIRTIPUR, October 26: Defending champions Lumbini Lions began their Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2026 campaign in impressive fashion, securing a convincing seven-wicket victory over Sudurpaschim Royals in the opening match of Season 3 at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Monday.
After restricting Sudurpaschim to just 87 runs in 17.2 overs, Lumbini produced an aggressive batting display to chase down the target of 88 in only 9.5 overs, finishing at 88/3 with 61 balls remaining.
The result gave the defending champions a perfect start to their title defence against the same opponents they defeated in last season's final.
Kishor Mahato and Sher Malla Dismantle Sudurpaschim Batting
Lumbini captain Rohit Kumar Paudel won the toss and elected to field, a decision that quickly proved effective as his bowlers took control of the innings.
Kishor Mahato led the attack with an impressive spell of four wickets for 28 runs in four overs. Sher Malla was equally influential, claiming three wickets for just 11 runs in his three overs and making it difficult for the Royals to build any momentum.
Shadley van Schalkwyk and Tilak Bhandari also contributed with a wicket each, while captain Rohit Paudel picked up another wicket as Sudurpaschim's batting lineup struggled to find its rhythm.
Royals captain Dipendra Singh Airee was the leading scorer for his side, making 27 runs from 23 deliveries. Saif Zaib added 13 runs off 14 balls, but the lack of substantial partnerships meant the Royals were unable to post a competitive total.
Sudurpaschim were eventually bowled out for 87 in 17.2 overs, leaving Lumbini with a modest target to chase.
D'Arcy Short Leads Comfortable Run Chase
Lumbini made their intentions clear from the beginning of the second innings, attacking the bowling and putting the Royals under immediate pressure.
Australian batter D'Arcy Short was the standout performer with the bat, scoring an explosive 40 runs from just 18 deliveries. His aggressive innings gave Lumbini the early momentum and brought the required target within reach quickly.
Aasif Sheikh provided valuable support with 32 runs off 25 balls, ensuring that the defending champions remained comfortably ahead of the required run rate.
Although Lumbini lost three wickets during the chase, the result was never seriously in doubt. They reached 88/3 in just 9.5 overs to complete a seven-wicket victory with more than ten overs to spare.
Anil Kharel was the most successful bowler for Sudurpaschim, taking two wickets for nine runs in two overs, but the Royals had too little to defend.
Sher Malla Takes Player of the Match Award
Sher Malla was named Player of the Match for his outstanding bowling performance. His three-wicket spell played a crucial role in restricting Sudurpaschim to a below-par score.
Kishor Mahato also made a significant contribution with four wickets, while D'Arcy Short's explosive batting ensured that Lumbini completed the chase without difficulty.
The combined performance highlighted the defending champions' strength in both departments and provided an early indication of their ambitions for another title.
A Difficult Start for Last Season's Runners-Up
The defeat is a disappointing beginning for Sudurpaschim Royals, who have reached the final in both previous editions of the NPL but have yet to lift the trophy.
Having lost to Lumbini in the 2025 final, the Royals would have hoped to begin the new season with a stronger performance. Instead, they will need to address their batting concerns before their next fixture.
For Lumbini, the opening victory provides an important boost as they look to become the first franchise to successfully defend the NPL championship.
With seven league matches ahead for each team, the competition is only beginning, but the defending champions have already sent a strong message to their rivals with a comprehensive performance in the season opener.