NPL 2026: Lumbini Lions Bowl Out Sudurpaschim Royals for 87 Runs

Kathmandu, October 26, 2026: Lumbini Lions delivered an impressive bowling performance to bowl out Sudurpaschim Royals for just 87 runs in 17.2 overs in the opening match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2026, setting a target of 88 runs. Kishore Mahato led the Lumbini bowling attack with four wickets, while Sher Malla claimed three wickets to put Sudurpaschim under pressure. Shadley van Schalkwyk and Tilak Raj Bhandari also contributed with one wicket each, while Rohit Kumar Paudel picked up a wicket. Sudurpaschim captain Dipendra Singh Airee was the team's top scorer, making 27 runs off 23 balls. Saif Ali Zai added 13 runs from 14 deliveries, but the rest of the batting lineup struggled to build partnerships. Lumbini made an early breakthrough when Sher Malla dismissed Binod Bhandari for nine runs through leg before wicket (LBW) in the first ball of the fourth over. Aref Sheikh was dismissed for a duck, leaving Sudurpaschim struggling early in the innings. The situation worsened as Sudurpaschim lost four wickets for 34 runs. Brandon McMullen scored two runs, while Ishan Pandey managed seven. Sherfane Rutherford was dismissed for one, and Scott Kuggeleijn and Hemant Dhami failed to score. Anil Kharel added seven runs before losing his wicket, while Abinash Bohara remained unbeaten at the end of the innings. With Sudurpaschim bowled out for 87, Lumbini Lions needed 88 runs to win the opening match of NPL Season 3. Match Highlights Match: Lumbini Lions vs Sudurpaschim Royals Tournament: Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2026 Sudurpaschim Royals: 87 all out in 17.2 overs Target for Lumbini Lions: 88 runs Top scorer: Dipendra Singh Airee – 27 runs off 23 balls Best bowler: Kishore Mahato – 4 wickets Sher Malla: 3 wickets