Lumbini Lions Secure First Win in NPL 2024 with a 33-Run Victory Over Chitwan Rhinos

Lumbini Lions claimed their first victory in the ongoing Nepal Premier League (NPL) with a commanding 33-run win against Chitwan Rhinos in the first match of the day at Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground.

Skipper Rohit Paudel delivered an outstanding all-round performance to steer Lumbini to the win. Paudel’s stellar contribution with both bat and ball proved crucial in breaking Lumbini’s four-match losing streak.

Invited to bat after losing the toss, Lumbini Lions posted a formidable 167/6 in 20 overs. Captain Rohit Paudel led from the front with a scintillating 80 runs off 68 balls, smashing six fours and five sixes. Saad Bin Zafar chipped in with an unbeaten 52 off 35 balls, hitting four boundaries and one six.

Bowling for Chitwan, Rijan Dhakal was the standout performer, taking 3/26, while captain Kushal Malla and Ranjit Kumar picked up a wicket each.In response, Chitwan Rhinos managed only 134/8 in their allotted 20 overs, falling short by 33 runs. Luc Benkenstein top-scored with 31 runs, while skipper Kushal Malla contributed 20 off 17 balls, hitting a boundary and a six.

Lumbini’s bowling attack, led by Rohit Paudel, dismantled Chitwan’s batting lineup. Paudel picked up 4/22, while Ramon Simmonds claimed 2 wickets. Saad Bin Zafar and Abhisesh Gautam also bagged a wicket each.

This victory lifts Lumbini Lions to fifth place on the leaderboard with their first win after four consecutive losses to Biratnagar Kings, Pokhara Avengers, Sudurpaschim Royals, and Janakpur Bolts.

Despite the loss, Chitwan Rhinos remain in third place with three wins and two defeats from five matches. Janakpur Bolts sit at the top of the table, maintaining a perfect record with victories in all their matches.

In the day’s second match, Pokhara Avengers will take on Karnali Yaks, as teams continue to vie for a spot in the playoffs of the NPL 2024 season.

This thrilling contest showcased the determination of Lumbini Lions to bounce back in the league and the critical role of leadership and teamwork in securing vital victories.