Kathmandu, December 10
Captain Rohit Paudel delivered an exceptional all-round performance to lead Lumbini Lions to their maiden victory in the Nepal Premier League (NPL), defeating Chitwan Rhinos by 33 runs.
Rohit showcased his prowess with both bat and ball, scoring 80 runs and claiming 4 wickets, exemplifying the “captain leads from the front” mantra. This win marked Lumbini’s first points on the table after five matches.
Chasing a target of 168, Chitwan Rhinos managed only 134 runs for 8 wickets in 20 overs. Luke Benkenstein top-scored with 31 runs, while other batters struggled, including captain Kushal Malla (20), Ravi Bopara (12), and Santosh Karki (10). Lower-order batter Narbahadur Sharki remained unbeaten with a quick 22 off 12 balls, supported by Rejion Dhakal’s 15 off 14 balls.
Rohit’s part-time spin was instrumental, taking 4 wickets for just 17 runs in 4 overs. Opening the bowling alongside Ramon Simmonds, he struck early, dismissing Bipin Rawal in his first over. He later removed Sohail Tanvir, Ravi Bopara, and Jean Nico Lafite Eton to dismantle the Rhinos’ middle order.
Ramon Simmonds contributed with 2 wickets for 15 runs in 3 overs, while Saad Bin Zafar and Abhishek Gautam picked up one wicket each.
Earlier, Lumbini posted 167/6 after being put into bat at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. The innings was anchored by Rohit and Saad Bin Zafar, who shared a record 114-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Rohit came to the crease in the second over after Lumbini lost two early wickets and steadied the innings, smashing 80 runs off 57 balls, including 6 fours and 5 sixes, before being dismissed in the final over. This was his second half-century in the NPL, having previously scored 95 runs against Pokhara Avengers.
Saad Bin Zafar supported him with 52 runs off 35 balls, hitting 4 fours and a six. Arjun Saud and Tom Moores chipped in with 15 and 10 runs, respectively.
For Chitwan, Rejion Dhakal was the standout bowler, taking 3 wickets for 29 runs in 4 overs, while Kushal Malla and Ranjit Kumar claimed one wicket each.
