Kritipur, 14 Dec: IN a thriling finale of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2025, Lumbini Lions emerged victorious, defeating Sudhurpaschim Royals by 6 wickets at TU International Cricket Stadium, Kritipur. The win marks Lumbini’s First NPL title, capping off an impressive tournament performance.
Sudhurpaschim Royals, who finished as runner-up for the second consecutive season, struggled in the final against Lumbini’s disciplined bowling attack. Electing to bat first, the Royals managed only 85 runs in their 20 overs. The standout performance came from Lumbini captain Rohit Paudel, who took a spectacular hat-trick, dismantling the Royal’s batting line up and shifting the momentum decisively in favor of Lumbini Lions.
Chasing a modest target of 86, the lions made light work of the total, reaching the score in just 9 overs. Dinesh Adhikari played a breathtaking innings, scoring 42 runs only 13 balls, featuring several boundaries and keeping the required run rate under control. The Lumbini bowling unit, led by Sher Malla and Ruben Trumpelmann, had earlier ensured that the Royals never settled, maintaining pressure throughout the innings.
Fan witnessed a dominant performance that showcased the growing competitiveness of the NPL and the emerging talents in Nepali cricket. With this comprehensive victory, Lumbini Lions not only lifted the trophy but also cemented their reputation as a formidable team in Nepal cricket, while Sudhurpaschim Royals remain eager to overturn their runner-up streak in the next season.