Lumbini’s incredible rise: From underdogs to NPL Champions (with photos)

KATHMANDU: Defying all pre-tournament expectations, the Lumbini Lions have been crowned champions of the second season of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), producing a dominant performance to defeat Sudurpaschim Royals by six wickets in Saturday’s final at the TU International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur.

Considered one of the weakest teams on paper before the season began, Lumbini scripted a remarkable turnaround to lift their maiden NPL trophy, completing a fairytale campaign marked by resilience, momentum and standout individual performances.

Sudurpaschim Collapse to Record Low

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Sudurpaschim suffered a dramatic collapse, getting bowled out for just 85 runs in 19.1 overs — the lowest total ever recorded by a team batting first in NPL history, and the first time Sudurpaschim failed to cross the 100-run mark in the league.

Lumbini captain Rohit Paudel was the chief architect of the collapse, claiming a sensational hat-trick in the 11th over by dismissing Dipendra Singh Airee, Deepak Bohara and Puneet Mehra in succession. Rohit finished with figures of 3 wickets for just 12 runs from four overs.

Sher Malla and Ruben Trumpelmann also picked up three wickets each, while Trumpelmann delivered a spell of exceptional control, conceding only three runs in 2.1 overs and earning the Player of the Final award.

Explosive Chase Seals the Title Early

Chasing a modest target, Lumbini made a mockery of the task, racing to victory in just nine overs. Dinesh Adhikari set the tone immediately, smashing four sixes in the very first over off Sudurpaschim skipper Dipendra Singh Airee.

Adhikari played a blistering knock of 42 off just 13 balls, including five sixes and a four. He was well supported by D’Arcy Short, who scored 14 runs, as the pair added 58 runs inside four overs. Lumbini lost a few wickets late, but Dilip Nath struck the winning runs to seal a comprehensive win.

From Brink of Elimination to Champions

Lumbini’s title run is one of the most dramatic comebacks in NPL history. After winning their opening match, they lost three consecutive games and were on the verge of elimination.

However, they went on to win six matches in a row, qualifying for the playoffs and then beating Kathmandu Gorkhas in the Eliminator, Biratnagar Kings in Qualifier 2, and finally overpowering Sudurpaschim in the final.

This was Lumbini’s first-ever playoff appearance — and it ended with the ultimate prize.

Rohit Paudel: Player of the Tournament

Captain Rohit Paudel was named the best Nepali player of the tournament and received an Omoda & Jaecoo car as his reward.

He also won a Pulsar motorcycle for being the highest run-scorer among Nepali players.

Across 10 matches, Rohit scored 276 runs and claimed 10 wickets, underlining his all-round brilliance. “It feels like a dream,” Rohit said after the win.

“We had one win and three losses after four games. Coming back from there to win the NPL is a huge achievement. This was a complete team effort.”

Trumpelmann Named Player of the Series

Lumbini’s Namibian fast bowler Ruben Trumpelmann was named Player of the Series.

He took 15 wickets and scored 56 runs in 10 matches, receiving a cash prize of Rs 500,000.

Remarkably, he picked up seven wickets across the three playoff matches alone.

Sher Malla Bags Emerging Player Award

Off-spinner Sher Malla won the Emerging Player of the Tournament award, receiving Rs 200,000 and a Pulsar motorcycle.

He finished the season with 17 wickets and became the first player to win NPL titles with two different teams, having lifted the trophy last season with Janakpur Bolts.

A Historic Triumph

Sudurpaschim Royals, meanwhile, suffered heartbreak for the second consecutive year, losing back-to-back NPL finals.

Despite dominating the league stage and starting the season with six straight wins, they once again fell short at the final hurdle.

For Lumbini Lions, however, this victory will be remembered as one of the greatest underdog stories in Nepalese cricket — a season that began with doubts and ended with history.