Sudurpashchim Struggles in Batting, Loses 7 Wickets Within 10 Overs
In the opening match of the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), the previous year’s runners-up, Sudurpashchim Royals, have lost seven wickets. At this stage, Sudurpashchim Royals have accumulated just 56 runs. They have lost key players including Vinod Bhandari, Arif Sheikh, Brandon McMullen, Saif Ali Jayeb, Sherfan Rutherford, and Ishan Pandey. Lumbini Lions’ Sher Mall took two wickets in the 10th over, dismissing Scott Kugelein LBW. Kathmandu, 9 Kartik.
Under the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), Sudurpashchim Royals find themselves in a challenging position after losing seven wickets in the opening match. In the 10th over, Sher Mall of the Lumbini Lions claimed two wickets. The seventh wicket fell when he had Scott Kugelein out LBW. Although the umpire initially did not give the decision, Lumbini Lions’ captain Rohit Paudel took the review. Considering that the ball pitched outside off, the impact was in line, and it was hitting the stumps, the dismissal was confirmed.
Earlier, at 9.2 overs, Sher Mall had dismissed Sherfan Rutherford LBW. Rutherford was attempting a big shot but missed as the ball rose sharply, leading to a catch by Asif Sheikh in the long-on region. So far, Sudurpashchim has made 56 runs. Previously, Sudurpashchim had lost Ishan Pandey as the fifth wicket, bowled by Tilakraj Bhandari of Lumbini Lions. Captain Rohit Paudel took the catch off Bhandari’s delivery to send Pandey back to the pavilion. Sher Mall had earlier sent the opening batsman Vinod Bhandari back to the pavilion at 3.1 overs. Arif Sheikh was dismissed without scoring significant runs and left the field after being taken out by Lumbini’s Kishor Mahto. Kishor Mahto then bowled out Brandon McMullen, who was dismissed at 4.4 overs after scoring 2 runs off 2 balls. Sudurpashchim lost Saif Ali Jayeb as their fourth wicket.