Kathmandu. In the first match of the third edition of Siddharth Bank Nepal Premier League (NPL), Sudurpaschim Royals’ batting looked disappointing. Sudurpaschim scored 87 runs in 17.2 overs against Lumbini Lions at the Trivi Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
Lumbini and Sudurpaschim are the finalists of last season. Earlier in the last season’s final against Lumbini, Sudurpaschim could score only 86 runs.
After winning the toss, Lumbini Lions decided to bowl first, most of the batsmen from Far West could not get going. The team lost wickets at regular intervals from the start.
Sudurpaschim captain Dipendra Singh Airi scored the highest 27 runs. He hit 2 fours in 23 balls. Saif Zaib scored 13 runs in 14 balls and Vinod Bhandari added 9 runs in 8 balls. Other batters did not contribute significantly.
The Lumbini bowlers kept the Far West batting line-up under pressure. Kishore Mahato took 4 wickets for 27 runs in 4 overs. Sher Malla took 3 wickets giving away 10 runs in 3 overs.