KATHMANDU, Nov 20: Rohit Paudel’s Lumbini Lions opened their Nepal Premier League (NPL) campaign on a high note, thanks to stellar performances from their overseas recruits. Afghan all-rounder Gulbadin Naib played a pivotal role, scoring 44 runs and taking two wickets to guide the team to victory in their opening match.
After a challenging previous season, in which Lumbini finished last with just one win and underwhelming contributions from foreign players, the team has begun this season with renewed energy and cohesion.
On Thursday at Tribhuvan University Cricket Stadium, Kirtipur, Lumbini defeated the Chitwan Rhinos by six wickets. Notably, Lumbini’s only win last season was also against Chitwan and the team repeated that feat this year.
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While both sides showcased overseas talent, Lumbini dominated. Chitwan, coming off a four-wicket win over Karnali Yaks in the tournament opener, saw their top-order batters falter. England international Ravi Bopara scored 66 runs, helping Chitwan post a modest 143 runs, but consecutive half-centuries could not secure the win.
Naib’s all-round brilliance and fellow overseas player Ruben Trumplemann’s three wickets with economical bowling were key. Alongside Abhisesh Gautam, Trumplemann dismantled Chitwan’s top-five batsmen, restricting the opposition’s scoring. Lumbini chased the target in 18.3 overs, losing four wickets.
Captain Rohit Paudel, who also serves as Nepal’s national team’s captain, praised the contributions of the foreign players, saying, “Winning the first match of any tournament is vital. Last season, our overseas players struggled, but this season they have excelled. The combined effort of our domestic and international players secured today’s win and we aim to carry this momentum forward.”
In Lumbini’s innings, Naib remained unbeaten on 44 off 24 balls, including a six and three fours. Early wickets fell for the Lions, but Rohit steadied the innings with partnerships of 27, 30 and 60 runs for the second, third and fourth wickets, respectively. He was eventually dismissed for 39. Opener Sundeep Jora added 28, while Dilip Nath was run out for 10. Chitwan’s Rijan Dhakal took two wickets, with Sohail Tanvir claiming one.
Chitwan struggled in the powerplay, scoring just 32 and lost their top three early. Bopara’s 55 off 44 balls kept them competitive, but with wickets falling at regular intervals, they could not reach the 150-run mark. Trumplemann, Naib and Abhisesh shared seven wickets between them, ensuring Lumbini’s comfortable win.
