Defending champions the Lumbini Lions began their Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2026 title defense with a convincing seven-wicket victory over the Sudurpaschim Royals at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on October 26.

Lumbini Lions bowled out Sudurpaschim for just 87 in 17.2 overs before chasing 88 in 9.5 overs to finish at 88/3. The result gave the Lions a winning start to Season 3 against the team they defeated in the previous season's final.

Sher Malla was named Player of the Match for his impressive bowling performance, while Kishor Mahato led the attack with four wickets.

Kishor Mahato and Sher Malla Lead Lumbini's Bowling Attack

Lumbini captain Rohit Kumar Paudel won the toss and elected to bowl first. His decision paid off as the defending champions kept the Sudurpaschim batting lineup under pressure throughout the innings.

Kishor Mahato was the standout wicket-taker, claiming four wickets for 28 runs in four overs. Sher Malla also made a major impact, taking three wickets for 11 runs in three overs.

Shadley van Schalkwyk and Tilak Bhandari took one wicket each, while captain Rohit Paudel also picked up a wicket as Sudurpaschim struggled to build partnerships.

Sudurpaschim captain Dipendra Singh Airee top-scored with 27 runs off 23 balls. Saif Zaib contributed 13 off 14 deliveries, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to provide enough support.

The Royals were eventually dismissed for 87 in 17.2 overs, leaving Lumbini 88 to win.

D'Arcy Short Powers Lumbini to Victory

Lumbini made a rapid start to the chase, putting the Sudurpaschim bowlers under pressure from the opening overs.

D'Arcy Short led the charge with 40 runs off just 18 balls, giving the defending champions the momentum they needed. Aasif Sheikh added 32 off 25 balls to strengthen Lumbini's position.

The Lions lost three wickets but remained in control of the chase, reaching 88/3 in just 9.5 overs to seal a seven-wicket victory with 61 balls remaining.

Anil Kharel was Sudurpaschim's most successful bowler, taking two wickets for nine runs in two overs, but the target proved too small to defend.

Sher Malla Named Player of the Match

Sher Malla received the Player of the Match award after helping dismantle Sudurpaschim's batting lineup. His three-wicket spell played an important role in restricting the Royals to a below-par total.

Kishor Mahato also deserves recognition for his four-wicket haul, while D'Arcy Short's aggressive innings ensured Lumbini completed the chase comfortably.

The opening match highlighted Lumbini's strength in both bowling and batting as they began their campaign to defend the NPL title.

What the Result Means for NPL 2026

The victory gives Lumbini Lions an early boost in the NPL Season 3 points table, while Sudurpaschim Royals will look to recover in their next fixture.

With eight teams competing in the tournament, every league-stage result will matter in the race for the playoffs and the championship.

Fans can follow the Lumbini Lions vs Sudurpaschim Royals full scorecard and match updates for the complete match details. For upcoming fixtures and other tournament updates, visit the NPL 2026 news section.

Match Summary

• Match: Lumbini Lions vs Sudurpaschim Royals, 1st Match

• Tournament: Nepal Premier League 2026, Season 3

• Venue: Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur

• Sudurpaschim Royals: 87 all out in 17.2 overs

• Lumbini Lions: 88/3 in 9.5 overs

• Result: Lumbini Lions won by 7 wickets

• Player of the Match: Sher Malla

• Best bowling: Kishor Mahato, 4/28

• Top scorer for Lumbini: D'Arcy Short, 40 off 18 balls

Report by NPLT20League.com, an independent NPL cricket news and information platform.