The second season of the Nepal Premier League was opened in the most beautiful way for the Lumbini Lions. They played brilliantly at TU International Cricket Stadium in Kirtipur and even made Chitwan Rhinos look weak in an exciting opening match. The Lions not only triumphed but also dominated the whole game. The chase was 143, and Lumbini finished it in only 18.3 overs with still four wickets in hand.
The confidence shown by Lumbini was an indication that they are serious this season. The chase was very easy for Lumbini’s robust batting lineup. They not only reached the target of 146 runs but also dictated the course of the match from the very beginning.
Lumbini Lions chase down 143 to beat Chitwan Rhinos
Lumbini Lions announced themselves in the second season of the Nepal Premier League with an exciting six-wicket win over Chitwan Rhinos. The Lions, who finished last in the first edition, which was disappointing for them, came out to fight. They needed to get only 143 runs, but they didn’t shy away from getting 146 in just 18.3 overs with four batsmen still remaining.
The main man was Afghan star Gulbadin Naib, who scored a quick-fire 44 runs off 23 balls with three sixes. The captain, Rohit Paudel, was the one who coordinated the chase with a good 39, while the opener, Sandeep Jora’s electrifying 28 with four sixes, made an early impact.
Chitwan Rhinos put up a strong fight with a total of 142 runs, which was topped by the score of 66 made by Ravi Bopara. However, the bowling attack of Lumbini was too powerful. Namibian pacer Ruben Trumplman, who is a real talent, ruined the rival team with his splendid bowling as he took 3 wickets, giving away only 23 runs.
The young spinner Abhisesh Gautam did well too by taking 2 wickets, while Gulbadin Naib took 2 more. The win indicates that last year’s poor performance was just a bad dream for Lumbini Lions, who now yearn for the top.
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