Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: A new champion will be crowned when Sudurpashchim Royals and Lumbini Lions contest the final of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kathmandu on Saturday. With both sides arriving in strong form, the title decider promises to be an engaging and competitive encounter.
Sudurpashchim has entered the final as the league’s consistent performer, losing only once in eight matches—a six-wicket defeat to Biratnagar Kings in their final league fixture. They topped the table with 12 points from seven games and secured direct entry to the final after a convincing victory over second-placed Biratnagar in Qualifier 1.
Lumbini, who finished fourth with eight points from seven matches, sealed their playoff berth with a win in their final league outing. Despite an inconsistent start, they have built a strong momentum with comfortable wins over Kathmandu Gorkhas in the Eliminator and Biratnagar Kings in Qualifier 2. They have entered the final carrying a five-match winning streak.
History, however, favours Sudurpashchim who were the runners-up in the last season. They defeated Lumbini by seven wickets in this year’s league stage and outplayed them with a 45-run win last season. Lumbini will nonetheless rely on captain Rohit Paudel, opener D’Arcy Short, and the spin trio of Sher Malla, Abhiseh Gautam, and Tilak Bhandari to break that trend.
Sudurpashchim also boast a formidable bowling attack led by pacers Abinash Bohara and Scott Kuggeleijn, supported by left-arm spinner Harmeet Singh. Their top order remains somewhat unsettled, even as opener Binod Bhandari leads the runs chart among Nepali batters. The middle order—featuring Harmeet, Arif Sheikh, and captain Dipendra Singh Airee—provides stability and depth should early wickets fall.
Last year’s runner-up finish offers added motivation to Sudurpashchim as they seek to finally lift the trophy. Lumbini, which were written off by many after a shaky start, have an opportunity to complete a remarkable turnaround by claiming the title.
Regardless of the result, one player will collect his second winner’s medal on Saturday. Hemant Dhami and Sher Malla, who helped Janakpur Bolts win the title last year, will be in the opposing dugout in the final. One of them is guaranteed to be the champion for the second time.
