NPL Final Preview: A new champion awaits as Sudurpashchim face Lumbini

The Nepal Premier League (NPL) cricket tournament is set to crown a brand-new champion as Sudurpashchim Royals and Lumbini Lions clash in the second edition’s grand finale. 

The title decider begins Saturday at 3:30 PM at the TU Cricket Ground, where both sides aim to lift their maiden NPL trophy. Sudurpashchim, runners-up in the inaugural season, have reached their second straight final, while Lumbini have made an impressive first-ever run to the playoffs and now to the championship match. 

Sudurpashchim Royals entered the final in commanding fashion, finishing at the top of the league table and qualifying directly through the first qualifier after defeating Biratnagar Kings. Apart from a one-sided loss in their last league match, the Royals displayed consistency across batting, bowling, and fielding under the leadership of Nepal vice-captain Dipendra Singh Airee. 

Form & Key Players 

The Royals’ balance has been one of their biggest strengths, with both local and foreign players contributing significantly. Binod Bhandari (264 runs), Arif Sheikh (180 runs) and Dipendra Singh Airee (149 runs) have led the scoring charts for the team. 

Their bowling attack is spearheaded by Avinash Bohara (16 wickets), Harmeet Singh (12 wickets), and Scott Kuggeleijn (10 wickets). 

Sudurpashchim hold a 100% head-to-head record against Lumbini in the two NPL seasons. Last season, they beat Lumbini by 42 runs, defending 188. In this edition, they secured a 7-wicket win, comfortably chasing 144 in the 19th over. 

With strong depth and a history of success against their opponents, the Royals eye redemption after missing out on the title in the previous season. 

On the other hand, Lumbini’s campaign has been a story of resurgence. After an inconsistent start; winning their opener, losing three straight, and then bouncing back with three victories, they squeezed into the playoffs. From there, they gained tremendous momentum, defeating Kathmandu Gorkhas in the Eliminator and then overcoming Biratnagar Kings by 40 runs in Qualifier 2, all within 24 hours. 

Mid-tournament changes in foreign recruits and team combination proved decisive in revitalizing their performance. 

Form & Key Players 

While their middle order still leaves room for improvement, Lumbini’s batting has seen contributions across the lineup. Rohit Paudel (260 runs), D'Arcy Short (242 runs), and Niroshan Dickwella (126 runs in 5 matches) carry the side’s batting hopes. 

Their bowling unit has been in terrific rhythm: Sher Malla (14 wickets), the third-highest wicket-taker of the tournament, and Ruben Trumpelmann (12 wickets) have consistently troubled oppositions with early breakthroughs. 

Lumbini enter the final still searching for their first win against Sudurpashchim. Their previous two meetings, one in each NPL season both ended in defeats, making today’s final the stage where they hope to rewrite the script. 

Probable XI

Sudurpashim Royals : Dipendra Singh Airee (C), Binod Bhandari (WK), Ishan Pandey, Aarif Sheikh, Avinash Bohora, Hemant Dhami, Naren Saud, Mukhtar Ahmed, Sheldon Jackson, Harmeet Singh, Scott Kuggeleijn.

Lumbini Lions : Rohit Paudel (C), Dinesh Adhikari/Sumit Maharjan, Dilip Nath, Sundeep Jora, Sher Malla, Abhishesh Gautam, Tilak Raj Bhandari, D'Arcy Short, Niroshan Dickwella, JJ Smit, Ruben Trumpelmann,