Lumbini Lions, the team that finished at the bottom of the table in last season’s Nepal Premier League (NPL), opened their new campaign with the kind of intent fans had been hoping for. A year ago, the Lions had managed only a single victory in the entire league stage — and interestingly, it came against the same opponent they defeated again on Thursday: Chitwan Rhinos.
A Confident Chase Under the Lights
This time, however, the win felt far more assured, far more structured, and far more symbolic of a team trying to rewrite its story.
Under the floodlights of the TU International Cricket Ground, Lumbini successfully chased Chitwan’s target of 143, reaching 146 with nine balls to spare and six wickets in hand. The innings was anchored by captain Rohit Paudel, whose measured 39 off 44 balls set the platform. His partner in the rescue act, Afghan all-rounder Gulbadin Naib, produced a brisk and unbeaten 44 off 24 deliveries, cracking three fours and three sixes to tilt the game decisively.
Their 60-run partnership off just 41 balls for the fourth wicket was the turning point of the match—steady under pressure and explosive when it mattered.
JJ Smit sealed the chase in style with a boundary, finishing on four not out.
Chitwan’s Bright Start Dimmed Quickly
Chitwan Rhinos had begun their tournament impressively, defeating Karnali Yaks earlier and looking every bit a title contender. But Thursday was different. Their innings started on the wrong foot when Lumbini’s fast-bowling spearhead Ruben Trumpelmann uprooted David Malan’s stumps for a duck in the very first over. The early blow rattled Chitwan, and despite moments of recovery, they never fully regained rhythm.
The lone pillar of resistance was veteran all-rounder Ravi Bopara, who crafted a composed 66 from 55 balls. With four boundaries and three sixes, he carried the innings deep, ensuring Chitwan at least had something to bowl at. But he fell in the final over—caught by Dilip Nath off Gulbadin Naib—closing the innings at 142 for 7.
Alongside Trumpelmann’s fiery spell of 3 for 23 in four overs, Lumbini’s spin duo also played their part:
Gulbadin Naib: 1 for 23
Abhishek Gautam: an economical 2 for 15 from three overs
Chitwan’s middle order tried to resist, with captain Kushal Malla scoring a brisk 21 and Saif Zaib adding a quick 15, but regular wickets prevented momentum.
Early Hiccups Didn’t Deter Lumbini
Lumbini’s chase wasn’t flawless. They lost both openers — D’Arcy Short for 11 and Sandeep Jora for 28 — to a sharp spell from Rijan Dhakal, who impressed with 2 wickets for just 17 runs from three overs. Dilip Nath’s run-out for 10 added another twist.
But the calm partnership between Paudel and Naib restored control, demonstrating maturity the side had often lacked last year.
Captain Rohit Paudel: “This Win Sets the Tone”
Reflecting on the victory, Paudel emphasized how crucial it is to start a tournament well:
“The first win in any competition sets the mood. It gives confidence, and today’s performance was the result of collective effort. Restricting Chitwan under the lights gave us a strong base, and the boys finished the job beautifully.”
Why This Win Matters
For a team that spent last season struggling to find a rhythm, this victory means more than just two points. It signals:
a more stable batting order,
a sharper bowling attack with genuine wicket-takers, and
a mindset that refuses to be defined by past failures.
With international stars like Trumpelmann, Naib, and Smit complementing Nepal’s rising talents, Lumbini suddenly look like a side capable of shaking up the standings.
What’s Next in NPL 2082?
The league continues on Friday with Pokhara Avengers vs Sudurpaschim Royals, a match expected to set early tone in the points table battle.
If Lumbini continue in this fashion, one of last year’s weakest teams might just become this season’s most intriguing storyline.
