In a clinical display of dominance that left the Kirtipur crowd breathless, the Lumbini Lions have been crowned the champions of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) Season 2. The Lions completed a “rags-to-riches” fairytale, rising from the bottom of the table last season to demolish the Sudurpaschim Royals by six wickets in a one-sided final at the TU International Cricket Ground.
The Rohit Paudel Show: A Hat-Trick for the Ages
The foundation of the victory was laid by a ruthless bowling performance led by captain Rohit Kumar Paudel. After Sudurpaschim won the toss and elected to bat, they were met with a Den of Lions.
The turning point came in the 11th over when Paudel etched his name into NPL history. He claimed a sensational hat-trick, dismissing Royals’ skipper Dipendra Singh Airee, followed by Deepak Bohara and Puneet Mehra on successive deliveries. The Royals’ middle order vanished in a blink, leaving them reeling.
Bowling Masterclass:
- Rohit Paudel: 3 wickets for 12 runs (including a Hat-Trick)
- Ruben Trumpelmann: 3 wickets for just 3 runs
- Sher Malla: 3 wickets for 18 runs (ending as the tournament’s joint-highest wicket-taker)
Sudurpaschim was bundled out for a meager 85 runs in 19.1 overs, the lowest total ever recorded by a team batting first in NPL history.
Dinesh Adhikari’s Blazing Start
If the first innings belonged to the bowlers, the second was a masterclass in aggression. Chasing 86 for the title, Dinesh Adhikari decided he was in a hurry. He launched an all-out assault on Dipendra Singh Airee in the very first over, smashing four massive sixes to collect 27 runs in just six balls.
Adhikari’s blitzkrieg of 42 runs off 13 balls (5 sixes, 1 four) effectively ended the contest before the powerplay was even over. Despite losing a few wickets near the finish line, the Lions sprinted to the target in just 9 overs, sparking wild celebrations in the dugout and the stands.
A Historic Turnaround
The win marks a historic moment for the Lumbini franchise. Just a year ago, they finished dead last with six defeats. Today, they end the season on a six-match winning streak, mirroring the momentum that saw them fight through the Eliminator and Qualifier 2 to reach this stage.
For the Sudurpaschim Royals, it was a case of “so close yet so far” once again, as they finished as runners-up for the second consecutive year.
“We believed in each other when no one else did,” said a jubilant Rohit Paudel during the trophy presentation. “From the bottom of the table to the trophy—this is for the fans of Lumbini!”
Final Scorecard:
- Sudurpaschim Royals: 85 All Out (19.1 overs)
- Lumbini Lions: 86/4 (9.0 overs)
- Result: Lumbini Lions won by 6 wickets.
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