Sudurpaschim Royals continued their unbeaten run in the Nepal Premier League, defeating Lumbini Lions by 45 runs on Saturday at TU International Cricket Ground. The Royals recorded their third consecutive victory, while the Lions remain winless in the tournament.
Put into bat first, Sudurpaschim Royals posted a formidable total of 187/4 in their allotted 20 overs. In reply, Lumbini Lions managed only 147/9, falling short despite Bibek Yadav’s valiant effort.
Royals Innings: Zaib Leads the Charge
Opening for the Royals, Saif Zaib and Binod Bhandari set the tone with a solid 47-run partnership in the powerplay. Bhandari contributed 17 off 13 before falling to Lumbini skipper Rohit Paudel.
Zaib anchored the innings, crafting an exceptional 90 off 61 balls, laced with six boundaries and five maximums. His innovative stroke play and partnerships kept the Royals in control. Brendon McMullen chipped in with a brisk 27 before being dismissed by Bibek Yadav.
Captain Dipendra Singh Airee provided the finishing touch with an unbeaten 39 off 19 balls, striking four boundaries and two sixes. Airee’s late surge, alongside Zaib, ensured a challenging total for the Lions.
For Lumbini Lions, their bowling woes continued as they employed seven bowlers, with only three managing wickets. Rohit Paudel (1/22) was the most economical, while Ramon Simmonds added two wickets and Bibek Yadav claimed one to his name.
Lions’ Chase: Bibek’s Heroics in Vain
Chasing 188, Lumbini Lions top order crumbled under pressure. Kiwi pacer Scott Kuggeleijn struck early, dismissing both openers, Arjun Saud for a duck and Unmukt Chand for four, in the first over. The collapse deepened as Rohit Paudel fell in the next over to Brendon McMullen.
By the end of the powerplay, half of the Lion’ lineup was back in the pavilion for just 36 runs, their worst start in the tournament.
Amid the chaos, Bibek Yadav played a lone hand, smashing an unbeaten 71 off 54 balls, featuring seven sixes and three fours. His effort saved the Lions from a massive defeat but lacked support from the middle order to mount a serious challenge.
Bowling Dominance from Sudurpaschim
Sudurpaschim Royals bowlers delivered another clinical performance. Saif Zaib and Brendon McMullen claimed three wickets each, while Scott Kuggeleijn bagged two.
Abinash Bohara chipped in with one wicket, ensuring the Lions never gained momentum.
Saif Zaib was adjudged the Player of the Match for his all-round performance, scoring 90 runs and picking up three crucial wickets.
With this win, Sudurpaschim Royals solidify their position at the top of the table, while Lumbini Lionsstrugglecountinues, leaving them winless in the competition.
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