NPL 2025: Lumbini Lions Secure First Win with Six-Wicket Triumph
Hamrakura
Published 2025 Nov 20 Thursday
Kathmandu: Lumbini Lions registered their first victory in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2025, defeating Chitwan Rhinos by six wickets in the opening match at the TU International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, on Thursday.
Chasing a target of 143 runs, Lumbini Lions reached 144 in 18.3 overs with four wickets down. Gulbadin Naib top-scored with an unbeaten 44 runs, while captain Rohit Paudel contributed 39. For Chitwan, Rijan Dhakal picked up two wickets and Sohail Tanvir claimed one.
Earlier, after being invited to bat first, Chitwan Rhinos posted 142 runs in their allotted 20 overs at the loss of seven wickets. The team stumbled early, losing three wickets for just 43 runs. Captain Kushal Malla made 21 runs, Ravi Bopara scored a solid 66, while Dev Khanal (14), Deepak Bohara (10), Saif Zaib (15), Arjun Saud (15*, not out) and Sohail Tanvir (5) added to the total.
For Lumbini Lions, Ruben Trumpelmann starred with the ball, taking three wickets, while Abhisesh Gautam and Gulbadin Naib grabbed two each.
