Royals Defeats Lions by 45 Runs to Top NPL Standings

Sudurpaschim Royals secured a commanding 45-run win against Lumbini Lions on Saturday, December 7, to climb to the top of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) standings.  

The Royals set a formidable target of 187 runs and restricted the Lions to 142, marking their third consecutive victory. Although tied on points with the undefeated Janakpur Bolts, the Royals claimed the top spot due to a superior net run rate.  

Opener Saif Zaib spearheaded the Royals' innings with a stellar 90 off 61 balls, smashing five sixes and six fours. Skipper Dipendra Singh Airee provided late fireworks, scoring a quickfire 39 off just 19 balls.  

For Lumbini, Ramon Simmonds claimed two wickets, while captain Rohit Paudel and Vivek Yadav chipped in with one wicket each.  

Lumbini's chase got off to a disastrous start, losing half their batters within four overs for just 19 runs. Bibek Yadav’s valiant unbeaten 77 off 54 balls, featuring seven sixes and three fours, was the lone bright spot for the Lions as wickets tumbled around him.  

Saif Zaib and Brandon McMullen were instrumental with the ball for the Royals, taking three wickets each. Scott Kuggeleijn added two, while Abinash Bohara took one.  

Zaib was named Player of the Match for his outstanding all-round performance.