Lumbini Lions posted a formidable target of 192 runs for Biratnagar Kings in their first match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) on Wednesday at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, Kirtipur.

Batting first after losing the toss, Lumbini scored 191 runs for the loss of seven wickets in the allotted 20 overs. This is the highest team total in the tournament so far, surpassing Sudurpaschim’s 182 runs against Biratnagar on Tuesday.

Captain Rohit Paudel led the charge with 46 runs off 29 balls, hitting four boundaries and two sixes. Openers Ashutosh Ghirohiya and Arjun Saud contributed 15 and 17 runs, respectively. Tom Moores, who struck three consecutive sixes off Anil Kharel, scored 30 runs off 17 balls before being run out.

Four of Lumbini’s batsmen were run out, including Sundeep Jora (12) and Ben Cutting (6). Vivek Yadav provided fireworks in the final over, smashing two sixes off the first two balls bowled by Basir Ahmed, ending with an unbeaten 19 runs off seven balls.

For Biratnagar, Ismatullah Alam, Rajesh Pulami, and Sandeep Lamichhane each claimed a wicket.

The match puts Biratnagar Kings under pressure as they have already lost their first two games.