Sudurpaschim Royals showcased an all-round performance to defeat Lumbini Lions by 45 runs in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) match at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, Kirtipur on Saturday.

Winning the toss, Lumbini sent Sudurpaschim to bat first, who posted an imposing total of 187/4 in their 20 overs. Opener Saif Ali Zaib anchored the innings with a magnificent 90 off 61 balls, hitting six fours and five sixes.

Zaib shared key partnerships with Binod Bhandari (17 off 13 balls), Brandon McMullen (23 off 20 balls), and captain Dipendra Singh Airee, who scored an unbeaten 39 off just 19 balls. Airee’s late flourish, including four boundaries and two sixes, pushed the Royals to a competitive total.

In response, Lumbini Lions faltered early, losing both openers Arjun Saud and Unmukt Chand to Scott Kuggeleijn in the first two overs. The middle-order collapse, orchestrated by Brandon McMullen, left Lumbini reeling at 19/5. Bibek Yadav tried to salvage the innings with an unbeaten 77 off 54 balls, hammering seven sixes but lacked support from the other batters as Lumbini managed only 142/9 in their 20 overs.

New Zealand pacer Kuggeleijn and Scotland’s McMullen were the pick of the bowlers for Sudurpaschim, taking two and three wickets, respectively, while Avinash Bohara chipped in with one.

Despite Ramon Simmonds’ two crucial wickets and Bibek Yadav’s all-round effort, Lumbini succumbed to their third consecutive loss in the tournament, slipping further down the standings.

Sudurpaschim, on the other hand, leapfrogged Janakpur Bolts to claim the top spot, continuing their winning streak.

The second match of the day will see Karnali Yaks take on Biratnagar Kings at 1:15 pm.