KATHMANDU: At the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Wednesday, the Lumbini Lions set an intimidating aim of 192 runs for the Biratnagar Kings in their opening Nepal Premier League (NPL) game. This total became the tournament’s highest so far, eclipsing Sudurpaschim Royals’ 182 runs against the Kings on Tuesday.

In their allocated 20 overs, the Lions scored 191/7 after being brought in to bat. Rohit Paudel, the captain, took the lead with an incredible 46 off 29 balls that included four boundaries and two sixes. Both Ashutosh Ghirohiya and Arjun Saud, who opened with solid starts and scored 15 and 17 runs, respectively, made contributions.

Tom Moores added momentum to the innings with a quickfire 30 runs off 17 balls, which included three consecutive sixes off Anil Kharel, before being run out. The Lions, however, suffered from poor running between the wickets, with four of their batsmen, including Sundeep Jora (12) and Ben Cutting (6), being dismissed via run-outs.

Vivek Yadav produced a sensational climax in the last over, blasting two sixes off Basir Ahmed's opening two deliveries. Lumbini reached their impressive total thanks to his undefeated 19 runs from just seven balls. 

Ismatullah Alam, Rajesh Pulami, and the captain Sandeep Lamichhane all contributed to Biratnagar's bowling attack by taking wickets. They made an effort, but they were unable to stop Lumbini's aggressive hitting order.

The Biratnagar Kings are under a lot of pressure going into the game because they have now dropped two straight tournament games. To raise their league ranking, the Kings will have to get back together fast.