NPL 3: Lumbini Lions begin title defence with seven-wicket win as DRS makes Nepal debut

Kathmandu, October 26

The third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) began on Monday with a historic technological milestone, as the Decision Review System (DRS) was used for the first time in Nepali cricket.

Defending champions Lumbini Lions marked the occasion with a commanding seven-wicket victory over two-time runners-up Sudurpaschim Royals, making a strong start to their title defence at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.

Prime Minister Balen Shah inaugurated the tournament by handing the match ball to the match referee. The opening match concluded with fireworks, while a large crowd of cricket fans turned out to watch the start of Nepal’s biggest domestic cricket event.

The introduction of DRS, the presence of the prime minister and the opportunity to watch international stars such as Sherfane Rutherford, Niroshan Dickwella and D’Arcy Short in action made the opening day particularly significant for Nepali cricket supporters.

With Dashain celebrations over, the NPL has begun as a cricketing festival under the theme ‘Festival of the Himalayas’.

DRS makes its debut in Nepali cricket

October 26, 2026, will be remembered as a landmark date for Nepali cricket, as the NPL became the first domestic tournament in the country to introduce DRS following its official recognition by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The technology was used for the first time in the second over of the opening innings. Lumbini bowler Sher Malla appealed for a dismissal against Sudurpaschim all-rounder Saif Zaib, but the on-field umpire turned down the appeal. Lumbini captain Rohit Paudel supported Malla’s request for a review, which confirmed that Zaib was not out. Lumbini lost the review.

Several subsequent reviews changed the on-field decisions.

In the fourth over, Sudurpaschim batter Aarif Sheikh was initially given out off Malla’s bowling. Sheikh immediately reviewed the decision, and the review showed he was not out, forcing the umpire to overturn the decision.

In the 10th over, Sudurpaschim batter Scott Kuggeleijn was initially given not out after being struck on the pads by Malla. Paudel opted for a review, which confirmed that Kuggeleijn was out leg before wicket (LBW).

DRS also came into play during Lumbini’s chase. Dickwella was initially given out LBW off Sudurpaschim captain Dipendra Singh Airee in the eighth over. However, the review showed the ball had touched his glove, and the decision was overturned.

The system uses technology including ball tracking and checks for contact with the bat or glove to help officials reassess contentious decisions.

Its introduction is expected to improve decision-making in the NPL and provide players with an opportunity to challenge decisions they believe are incorrect.

Mahato and Malla dismantle Sudurpaschim

After winning the toss, Lumbini captain Paudel chose to bowl, and his decision paid off as the bowlers dominated from the outset.

Sudurpaschim openers Zaib and Binod Bhandari attempted to build a steady start, adding 24 runs for the first wicket. However, Malla broke the partnership in the fourth over by dismissing Bhandari LBW.

Medium-pacer Kishore Mahato then turned the match decisively in Lumbini’s favour, dismissing Aarif Sheikh and Brandon McMullen in the fifth over.

Zaib fell to Shadley van Schalkwyk in the sixth over, leaving Sudurpaschim with four wickets down during the powerplay.

West Indies batter Sherfane Rutherford, one of the tournament’s high-profile overseas players, managed just one run on his NPL debut before being dismissed by Malla.

Sudurpaschim continued to lose wickets and were bowled out for 87 in 17.2 overs.

Mahato was Lumbini’s leading bowler, taking four wickets for 23 runs in his four overs. Malla claimed three wickets for just 11 runs, while captain Paudel, Tilak Raj Bhandari and van Schalkwyk took one wicket each.

Airee top-scored for Sudurpaschim with 23 runs, while bowler Anil Kharel remained unbeaten on 15. No other batter reached double figures.

Mahato described his debut performance and the team’s victory as a dream start.

“We used the conditions well. The wicket was skidding, and one side had a slightly longer boundary. We planned accordingly,” he said after the match.

He added that the team’s overseas players had settled in well and that the seaming conditions in Nepal had worked to his advantage.

Sudurpaschim head coach Misbah-ul-Haq acknowledged that his side had failed to make a good start. He said partnerships were essential in such matches and that the lack of substantial partnerships had contributed to the low total.

A comfortable chase led by Sheikh and Short

Lumbini made light work of the 88-run target, attacking from the beginning of their innings.

Asif Sheikh, who had been a marquee player for Janakpur Bolts in the first two seasons before being released and picked up by Lumbini at the auction ahead of the third edition, combined with Australian batter D’Arcy Short to give the defending champions a flying start.

The pair added 70 runs in the six-over powerplay before their partnership ended at 71 in the seventh over.

Short top-scored with 40 off just 18 balls, hitting four fours and three sixes. Sheikh contributed 32 from 25 deliveries, including two fours and two sixes. Kharel dismissed both batters.

Dickwella managed seven runs off 10 balls before being bowled by Airee. Paudel then struck a boundary in the 10th over to seal the win, remaining unbeaten on five off three deliveries. Shamim Hussain was unbeaten on one.

Lumbini reached the target with seven wickets in hand, underlining their credentials as defending champions.

Having defeated Sudurpaschim in last season’s final to claim the title, Lumbini have now begun their latest campaign with another convincing performance against the same opponents.

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