Kathmandu: Lumbini Lions have clinched the title of the second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) T20 cricket, defeating Sudurpaschim Royals by six wickets in the final held at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, on Saturday evening.

Historic Turnaround for Lumbini
After finishing at the bottom in the inaugural edition, Lumbini scripted a remarkable turnaround this season to lift the trophy. Chasing a modest target of 86 runs, Lumbini completed the task in just nine overs, losing four wickets — the fastest successful chase in NPL history.

Dinesh Adhikari Shines in Final
Dinesh Adhikari played a blistering knock of 42 runs off just 13 balls, smashing five sixes, to steer Lumbini to victory. Captain Rohit Paudel contributed 16 runs.

For his match-winning innings, Dinesh Adhikari was named Player of the Final and received a cash prize of Rs 100,000.

Sudurpaschim Collapse with the Bat
Earlier, Sudurpaschim Royals, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, were bowled out for just 85 runs in 19 overs. Ishan Pandey top-scored with 33 runs off 51 balls, while captain Dipendra Singh Airi managed 13 runs from 20 balls.

Lumbini’s bowling attack was led by captain Rohit Paudel, Sher Malla and Ruben Trumpelmann, who claimed three wickets each. Tilak Bhandari picked up one wicket.

Rohit Paudel Creates History
Rohit Paudel etched his name in NPL history by taking the first-ever hat-trick in a tournament final, achieving the feat in the 11th over. His all-round brilliance made him the leading contender for the Player of the Series award.

Prize Money Distribution
-Champions (Lumbini Lions): Rs 11 million
-Runners-up (Sudurpaschim Royals): Rs 5.1 million
-Third place (Biratnagar Kings): Rs 2.5 million
-Fourth place (Kathmandu Gorkhas): Rs 1.5 million

Road to the Final
Sudurpaschim Royals reached the final by defeating Biratnagar Kings by 77 runs in the first qualifier. Lumbini Lions advanced after beating Biratnagar by 40 runs in the second qualifier.

Individual Awards
-Player of the Tournament (Rs 500,000): Ruben Trumpelmann (Lumbini) – 15 wickets
-Player of the Series (Car): Rohit Paudel (Lumbini) – 276 runs and 10 wickets
-Best Batsman (Platinum Cap): Adam Rossington – 325 runs
-Best Bowler (Pulsar Bike): Sandeep Lamichhane (Biratnagar Kings) – 17 wickets
-Emerging Player (Pulsar Bike): Sher Malla (Lumbini)
-Energetic Player (Rs 200,000): Avinash Bohara (Sudurpaschim Royals) – 17 wickets

Tournament Overview
The eight-team tournament, organized by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), began on November 1 and concluded with Lumbini Lions being crowned new champions after defending champions Janakpur Bolts were eliminated at the bottom of the league stage.