Lumbini Lions earned their first victory in the Nepal Premier League (NPL), defeating Chitwan Rhinos by 33 runs at Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground. This win ends their four-match losing streak.
Image source: Wicket Nepal
Skipper Rohit Paudel was the hero, shining with both bat and ball. Batting first, Lumbini scored 167/6 in 20 overs. Paudel led the charge with 80 runs off 68 balls, hitting six fours and five sixes. Saad Bin Zafar added an unbeaten 52 off 35 balls.
Chitwan’s bowlers did their best, with Rijan Dhakal taking 3/26. However, their chase fell short as they managed only 134/8. Luc Benkenstein scored 31, while Kushal Malla contributed 20 runs.
Paudel’s bowling was equally impressive, taking 4/22 to crush Chitwan’s batting lineup. Ramon Simmonds took two wickets, and Zafar and Abhisesh Gautam grabbed one each.
The win lifts Lumbini Lions to fifth place, while Chitwan Rhinos stay in third. Janakpur Bolts lead the league with an unbeaten record. Later today, Pokhara Avengers will face Karnali Yaks in another exciting match.
Lumbini’s strong performance shows their determination to fight back in the NPL.
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