Kathmandu. In the first match of the third edition of Siddharth Bank Nepal Premier League (NPL), Sudurpaschim Royals’ batting looked disappointing. Sudurpaschim scored 70 runs in 12.4 overs and lost 9 wickets against Lumbini Lions at the Trivi Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
After winning the toss, Lumbini Lions decided to bowl first, but 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. Shedley van Salkwyk and Tilak Bhandari took one wicket each.
Sudurpaschim scored 70 runs in 12.3 overs after losing the wicket of Dipendra Singh Airi. Hemant Dhami was then dismissed in 12.4 overs.