Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Defending champions Lumbini Lions will begin their title defence against two-time runners-up Sudurpaschim Royals in the opening match of the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Monday.
The match will bring together the finalists of last season, when Lumbini defeated Sudurpaschim by six wickets to claim their maiden NPL title. Sudurpaschim, who have finished runners-up in both previous editions, will be looking to start their campaign with a victory over the defending champions.
The third edition of Nepal’s premier franchise-based Twenty20 tournament will feature eight teams and run until November 21.
Lumbini have retained the core of their title-winning squad under captain Rohit Paudel. They have strengthened their batting and all-round options with several new signings, including national team opener Aasif Sheikh, Bangladesh batting all-rounder Shamim Hossain and US all-rounder Shadley van Schalkwyk.
Likewise, Lumbini have retained Australian batter D’Arcy Short, Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella and Namibian fast bowler Ruben Trumpelmann, who played key roles in their title-winning campaign last season.
Sudurpaschim, meanwhile, have signed West Indies batter Sherfane Rutherford who brings considerable franchise cricket experience.
The Royals also all-rounders Brandon McMullen, Saif Zaib and Scott Kuggeleijn in their roster to strengthen their batting and bowling options.
Captain Dipendra Singh Airee will lead the side, which has retained several key Nepali players, including wicketkeeper-batter Binod Bhandari, Aarif Sheikh, Ishan Pandey and fast bowler Abinash Bohara.
Sudurpaschim hold a 2-1 advantage over Lumbini Lions in their three meetings across the first two editions of the NPL. They defeated Lumbini by 45 runs in their first season. They also won the league-stage meeting between the teams in the second season.
However, Lumbini won the most important encounter between the sides in last year’s final.
