Kathmandu. Lumbini Lions defeated Far-Western Royals in the opening match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) on Saturday. Lumbini Lions defeated Sudurpaschim Royals by seven wickets in the opening match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL). Lumbini Lions defeated Sudurpaschim Royals by seven wickets in the match played at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.

In reply, Lumbini met the target of 88 runs set by Sudurpaschim in 9.5 overs at the loss of three wickets.

Opener Darcy Short was the top scorer for Lumbini with 40 runs. He scored 40 runs off 18 balls with 4 fours and 3 sixes. Asif Sheikh scored 32 runs. Niroshan Dickwella scored 7 runs, Shamim Hossain scored 1 and captain Rohit Paudel remained unbeaten on 5 runs.

Anil Kharel took two wickets while skipper Dipendra Singh Airee took one wicket.

Invited to bat first after losing the toss, Sudurpaschim scored only 87 runs in 17.2 overs at the loss of all wickets. Skipper Dipendra Singh Airee was the top scorer for Sudurpaschim with 27 runs. Saif Zaib scored 13 runs while Anil Kharel remained unbeaten on 15 runs. Other batsmen could not score in double digits. Binod Bhandari scored 9 runs while Ishan Pandey scored 7 runs.

Kishore Mahato of Lumbini Lions took four wickets. Sher Malla took three wickets while Sadly van Schalkwyk, Rohit Paudel and Tilak Bhandari took one wicket each.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah inaugurated the tournament, which will run till November 5. Education and Sports Minister Sasmit Pokhrel and other senior officials were present to watch the tournament.

Two matches will be played on Tuesday. Biratnagar Kings will face Chitwan Rhinos in the first match at 12:30 pm, while Karnali Yaks will face Janakpur Bottles in the second match at 4:30 pm.