Cricket Kitchen

Sudurpaschim Aim to Avenge Final Defeat Against Lumbini

October 26, 2026

Kathmandu – The third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) cricket tournament begins today, with an exciting and highly competitive match scheduled on the opening day.

Defending champions Lumbini Lions will face runners-up Sudurpaschim Royals in a rematch of last season’s final. The match will be played at the TU International Cricket Stadium and is scheduled to begin at 5:30 pm.

Eight teams are participating in this year’s tournament. The winning team will receive a cash prize of Rs 15 million.

The runners-up will receive Rs 8 million, the third-placed team Rs 4 million, and the fourth-placed team Rs 3 million. Eight franchise teams will compete for the title.

The participating franchises are defending champions Lumbini Lions, two-time runners-up Sudurpaschim Royals, inaugural champions Janakpur Bolts, Kathmandu Gorkhas, Chitwan Rhinos, Biratnagar Kings, Pokhara Avengers and Karnali Yaks.

What to Expect From Today’s Two Teams?
Lumbini Lions
Defending champions Lumbini appear strong in both batting and bowling. The team has a reputation for performing under pressure, taking matches deep and making effective use of its experience on big occasions.

Led by former national team captain Rohit Paudel, Lumbini features established domestic players such as Aasif Sheikh, Sher Malla and Sandeep Jora.

The team also appears well-balanced with the retention of overseas players Ruben Trumpelmann, D’Arcy Short and Niroshan Dickwella, who played important roles in helping Lumbini win the title last season.

With the confidence of reigning champions, Lumbini will aim to maintain its winning mentality and put its opponents under pressure from the opening overs.

Sudurpaschim Royals
Despite impressive performances in the first two editions, Sudurpaschim have faltered in crucial matches. This time, the team is determined to break that disappointing pattern.

The team’s strategists and players are looking to correct last season’s shortcomings and make a strong start to the tournament.

Led by successful domestic cricket captain Dipendra Singh Airee, Sudurpaschim boasts quality players such as Binod Bhandari, Abinash Bohara, Aarif Sheikh, Ishan Pandey and Hemant Dhami.

To address the weaknesses exposed in the previous two editions, the team has retained Scott Kuggeleijn and recruited several prominent international players, including Saif Zaib, who previously played for Chitwan, as well as Haider Ali, Brandon McMullen and Sherfane Rutherford.

Sudurpaschim will look to make an immediate impact by capitalising on the powerplay and breaking opposition partnerships during the middle overs.