The second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) culminated in a spectacular, yet one-sided, final where the Lumbini Lions showcased a masterclass in aggressive cricket to secure the championship. Facing the Sudurpaschim Royals at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, the Lions first dismantled the Royals’ batting lineup and then chased down the target with a breathtaking display of power-hitting, winning by six wickets. The victory was a statement of intent, wrapping up the match in a mere 9 overs—a true T20 blitzkrieg.
A Captain’s Hat-trick and a 13-Ball Firework
The final was decided by two moments of individual brilliance that collectively crushed the Royals’ spirit: a rare hat-trick by the captain and a record-breaking cameo with the bat.
Captain Paudel’s Golden Arm
Opting to bat first, the Sudurpaschim Royals were never allowed to settle. They were eventually bundled out for a paltry 85 runs in 19.1 overs. The Lions’ bowling attack was clinical, with three bowlers claiming three wickets each, but the highlight belonged to Captain Rohit Paudel. He not only led the team but also etched his name in NPL history by taking a hat-trick in the final, becoming the second bowler this season to achieve the feat.
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Bowler
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Team
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Wickets
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Impact
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Rohit Paudel (Captain)
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Lumbini Lions
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3
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Hat-trick in the final
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Sher Malla
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Lumbini Lions
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3
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Key breakthroughs
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Ruben Trumpelmann
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Lumbini Lions
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3
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Economical and destructive
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Tika Bhandari
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Lumbini Lions
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1
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Supported the main attack
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Dinesh Adhikari: The 13-Ball Demolition
Chasing 86, the Lumbini Lions were in no mood to hang around. The chase was transformed into a sprint by Dinesh Adhikari, whose innings was a pure exhibition of power. He scored a match-winning 42 runs off just 13 balls, including one four and five massive sixes. His strike rate of over 320 ensured the target was reached in just 54 deliveries, turning a final into a formality.
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Player
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Runs
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Balls
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Fours
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Sixes
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Role in Chase
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Dinesh Adhikari
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42
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13
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1
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5
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Match-winning cameo
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Rohit Paudel
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16
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12
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2
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1
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Crucial support
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Darcy Short
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14
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13
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3
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0
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Solid start
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Niroshan Dickwella
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11*
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N/A
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N/A
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N/A
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Unbeaten finish
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The Context and The Cost: Heartbreak for Royals
Sudurpaschim’s Second Final Heartbreak
For the Sudurpaschim Royals, the final was a story of recurring heartbreak. Having been the runners-up in the inaugural NPL season (losing to the Janakpur Bolts), they once again fell at the final hurdle. Their batting performance was characterized by a lack of intent and slow scoring, with opener Ishan Pandey top-scoring with a laborious 33 runs off 51 balls. Captain Dipendra Singh Airee (13), Harmeet Singh (10), and Scott Kuggeleijn (10) were the only others to reach double figures.
The Royals’ bowlers, led by Hemant Dhami (2 wickets), tried their best, but defending 85 against a fired-up Lumbini side was an impossible task.
The Financial Scorecard : NPL 2 Final Champions
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Team
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Position
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Prize Money (NPR)
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Lumbini Lions
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Champions
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Rs 1 crore 10 lakh
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Sudurpaschim Royals
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Runners-Up
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Rs 51 lakh
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 PM Sushila Karki Congrats to NPL 2 Final Champions
The significance of the NPL final transcended the cricket field, drawing attention from the highest levels of government. Prime Minister Sushila Karki extended her congratulations to the Lumbini Lions via social media (Facebook), highlighting the tournament’s impact on national morale.
“Congratulations to the winning team, Lumbini Lions. Thanks to all the teams, organizers, and supporters who participated in this festival, which successfully added energy to the national confidence.”
The Afterparty: NPL Night
The tournament concluded with the announcement of the ‘NPL Night,’ a celebratory event designed to honor not just NPL 2 Final Champion also the players from all participating teams. The event, scheduled for 9:00 PM tonight at the LOD Club in Thamel, will feature players from all eight franchises: Lumbini Lions, Sudurpaschim Royals, Biratnagar Kings, Kathmandu Gorkhas, Pokhara Avengers, Karnali Yaks, Chitwan Rhinos, and Janakpur Bolts.
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Statistic
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Lumbini Lions (Chase)
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Sudurpaschim Royals (Innings)
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Total Runs
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86 (Target Achieved)
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85 (All Out)
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Wickets Lost
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4
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10
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Overs Used
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9.0
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19.1
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Highest Individual Score
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Dinesh Adhikari (42)
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Ishan Pandey (33)
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Key Bowling Feat
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Rohit Paudel (Hat-trick)
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Hemant Dhami (2 Wickets)
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