Lumbini Secures Convincing 7-Wicket Victory over Sudurpashchim
At the Tribhuvan University Cricket Stadium, Lumbini defeated Sudurpashchim Royals by a comprehensive 7-wicket margin. In the opening match of the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), Lumbini Lions successfully chased the target of 88 runs set by Sudurpashchim, achieving it in 9.5 overs while losing 3 wickets. Opener Darcy Sart contributed 40 runs off 18 balls, including 4 boundaries and 3 sixes. He forged a solid opening partnership of 71 runs with Asif Sheikh, who scored 32 runs. Meanwhile, Niroshan Dickwela was bowled out for 7, Shamim Hossain scored 1, and captain Rohit Paudel remained unbeaten on 5 runs.
Batting first, Sudurpashchim were bowled out for 87 runs in 17.2 overs. Lumbini’s Sher Mall and Kishor Mahto showcased excellent bowling performances, taking 3 and 4 wickets respectively. Captain Rohit Paudel, Tilakraj Bhandari, and Shadlee Baan Shakvaik each claimed one wicket. Sudurpashchim’s captain, Dipendra Singh Ayrey, top-scored with 27 runs.
This match marked the first use of the Decision Review System (DRS) in Nepal cricket, which was utilized by Lumbini. On the last ball of the second over, Sher Mall appealed for LBW, but the umpire did not give it out. Subsequently, captain Rohit Paudel called for a DRS review, which was unsuccessful. Two NPL matches are scheduled for Tuesday, with the first game between Biratnagar Kings and Chitwan Rhinos commencing at 12:30 PM.