Lumbini Lions’ title defence is going well. They are undefeated in the first three games of the third season.

The Lions, who started the season by defeating Sudurpaschim Royals in the season opener, had their second fixture against Chitwan Rhinos called off due to rain on Saturday. 

Meanwhile, they registered their second win of the tournament on Tuesday, defeating Pokhara Avengers by eight wickets with 50 balls to spare. 

Winning the toss and electing to field first, Rohit Kumar Paudel-led Lions restricted the Avengers to a paltry 97/9 in the first innings.

Chamika Karunaratne (25 off 17) was the highest scorer for the Avengers. Skipper Kushal Bhurtel (14 off 20) and experienced Shakib Al Hasan (3 off 8) could not do enough.

Ruben Trumpelmann, who was part of the Lions’ title-winning season, made his return to the third season on Tuesday. And in his first match of the season, Trumpelmann picked three wickets in his four overs, conceding only 14 runs.

Similarly, Tilak Bhandari picked two, while Sher Malla, Abhishesh Gautam and Paudel took one each.

In turn, the Lions saw a quick fall of wickets in the first two overs with the dismissal of the opening duo of Aasif Sheikh (7 off 7) and D’Arcy Short (13 off 6). But it did not matter as the new pair in Paudel and Niroshan Dickwella completed the chase.

Paudel smashed a 32-ball 47, and Dickwella contributed 27 off 26 to chase 98 runs in 11.4 overs.

The Lions now face Janakpur Bolts on Thursday. Avengers, meanwhile, will play their next match against Chitwan Rhinos on Friday.