Lumbini Lions Bowl Out: Sudurpaschim Royals for 87 in NPL 2026 Opener

Lumbini Lions’ bowlers restricted Sudurpaschim Royals to 87 all out in 17.2 overs in the first innings of the Nepal Premier League 2026 opening match at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Monday, 26 October. 

Kishor Mahato took 4 wickets, and Sher Malla claimed 3 as the defending champions applied pressure after the Royals were put in to bat. Supporting figures included Shadley van Schalkwyk (1/19), Tilak Bhandari (1/18), and a wicket from captain Rohit Paudel.

Bowling Figures After First Innings

Mahato’s spell included key dismissals, notably captain Dipendra Singh Airee (27 off 23). Other contributions came from the rest of the attack as the Royals failed to build partnerships after an early stand.⁠

Match Context

The fixture is a rematch of the 2025 final, which Lumbini Lions won by six wickets after dismissing the Royals for 85. Season 3 of the Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League runs from 26 October to 21 November, with all matches at Kirtipur. Eight teams contest a single round-robin stage before the top four enter the playoffs. 

Official viewing remains available on Himalaya Sports (television in Nepal) and NetTV (worldwide streaming). Full live scores and updates can be followed on the NPL 2026 Match 1 page.

The second inning is underway as the Lumbini Lions chase 88. Readers can track the remainder of the match and the full fixture list via the NPL 2026 schedule.