KATHMANDU: Lumbini Lions kicked off the second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) with a six-wicket victory over Chitwan Rhinos at TU International Cricket Stadium, Kirtipur, on Thursday.
Chasing a target of 143, Lumbini reached 146 for 4 in 18.3 overs, registering a comfortable win in their opening game.
Gulbadin Naib led the chase with a match-winning unbeaten 44 off 23 balls, hitting three boundaries and as many sixes. Captain Rohit Paudel added a solid 39 runs from 44 balls, while opener Sandeep Jora contributed 28 runs, including four sixes, to provide early momentum. Australian player Darcy Shot managed 11 runs before getting out.
Chitwan Rhinos had earlier set a competitive total after electing to bat. Ravi Bopara starred with his second consecutive half-century, scoring 66 runs off 55 balls with four boundaries and three sixes. Captain Kushal Malla made 21 runs, while Saif Zaib and Dev Khanal added 15 each, and Deepak Bohara chipped in with 10. The Rhinos finished at 142 for 7 in 20 overs.
In the bowling department, Lumbini’s Namibian pacer Ruben Trumplman took 3 wickets for 23 runs in 4 overs. Young spinner Abhisesh Gautam claimed 2 for 15, while Gulbadin Naib also picked up 2 wickets, conceding 33 runs in his 4 overs.
The victory marks a strong start for Lumbini Lions, who had won only one match in the inaugural edition and finished at the bottom of the table. Chitwan Rhinos, who had beaten Karnali Yaks in their opening game, suffered their first defeat of the season.
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