Kathmandu: Lumbini Lions have won the second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), defeating Sudurpaschim Royals by six wickets in the final at the TU International Cricket Stadium, Kirtipur, on December 13.
Chasing a modest target of 86 runs, Lumbini reached the total in nine overs, losing four wickets. Dinesh Adhikari led the chase with a quick 42 off 13 balls, including five sixes. Captain Rohit Kumar Paudel scored 16, while Niroshan Dickwella remained unbeaten on 11.
Earlier, Sudurpaschim Royals, who won the toss and chose to bat, were bowled out for 85 runs in 19.1 overs. Ishan Pandey top-scored with 33 runs, while captain Dipendra Singh Airee made 13. For Lumbini, Sher Malla, Ruben Trampelmann and Rohit Paudel took three wickets each, and Tika Bhandari claimed one.
With the victory, Lumbini Lions received Rs 11 million in prize money, while runners-up Sudurpaschim Royals earned Rs 5.1 million. Sudurpaschim finished as runners-up for the second consecutive time, having also lost the final of the first edition to Janakpur Bolts.
President Ramchandra Paudel and Prime Minister Sushila Karki congratulated Lumbini Lions and all participating teams, praising their dedication and contribution to Nepali sports.
Lumbini captain Rohit Kumar Paudel was named Player of the Tournament and received a car. He scored 276 runs, the second-highest of the season, and took 10 wickets. Ruben Trampelmann was declared Best Player of the Tournament, Sandip Lamichhane Best Bowler, and Avinash Bohara Red Bull Player of the Tournament. Sandip Lamichhane and Avinash Bohara were joint highest wicket-takers with 17 wickets each.
After the match, Rohit said strong team morale was the key to their success. Sudurpaschim coach Jagat Tamata said his team’s batting failure in the final cost them the title.
