Defending champions Lumbini Lions began their Nepal Premier League title defence in style on Monday, bowling out Sudurpaschim Royals for just 87 in the opening match of the tournament’s third season at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.

After winning the toss, Lumbini captain Rohit Paudel elected to field. Sudurpaschim were dismissed in 17.2 overs, with right-arm fast bowler Kishore Mahato taking four wickets for 28 runs in four overs and off-spinner Sher Malla claiming three for 10 in three overs.

Sudurpaschim lost four wickets in the powerplay and never recovered. Malla trapped Binod Bhandari lbw in the fourth over, before Mahato struck twice in the same over, dismissing Aarif Sheikh for a duck and Brandon McMullen for two.

Saif Zaib, returning to the Sudurpaschim side, hit two fours in his 14-ball 13 before being dismissed by American bowler Shadley van Schalkwyk in the sixth over. Tilak Bhandari then removed Ishan Pandey for seven in the ninth over to give Lumbini their fifth wicket.

Malla dismissed Sherfane Rutherford for one and Scott Kuggeleijn for a duck. Mahato followed up by bowling captain Dipendra Singh Airee and Hemant Dhami in successive deliveries, leaving him on the verge of a hat-trick.

Airee top-scored for Sudurpaschim with 27 off 23 balls, including two fours. Dhami failed to score.

Lumbini captain Paudel bowled out Abhinash Bohara, while Anil Kharel remained unbeaten on 15 as Sudurpaschim were dismissed for 87.

Lumbini beat Sudurpaschim by six wickets in last season’s final to win the title. They now need 88 runs to begin their title defence with another victory.