NPL title up for grabs as in-form Sudurpaschim clashes with resurgent Lumbini in high-stakes final today

KATHMANDU, Dec 13: Sudurpaschim Royals and Lumbini Lions will face each other in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) final on Saturday, with both teams aiming to win their first-ever title.

Sudurpaschim have been title favourites since the start of the season. The former runners-up delivered consistent performances throughout the second edition, reinforcing their reputation as a strong and balanced side.

Lumbini, however, had a turbulent journey to the final. Under captain Rohit Kumar Paudel, the team lost three of its first four matches, raising doubts about whether they would even reach the playoffs. A single loss in their last three league matches would have ended their campaign — but Lumbini staged a remarkable comeback, winning all three to secure the fourth playoff spot.

Even after qualifying, Lumbini were widely considered the weakest among the four playoff teams — Sudurpaschim, Biratnagar Kings and Kathmandu Gorkhas being the others. When asked which team he viewed as the strongest, captain Rohit had confidently said his own side looked the most balanced, a remark that drew laughter at the venue and criticism from supporters on social media.

Given Lumbini’s inconsistent league form, fans initially dismissed Rohit’s comments, some even urging him to “beat Kathmandu first” before talking big. Lumbini answered that challenge with a dominant bowling performance to defeat Kathmandu in the Eliminator, earning a place in Qualifier 2. Despite this, analysts still labelled them underdogs with a vulnerable batting lineup.

In Qualifier 2, they again defied expectations. On a challenging pitch, Lumbini posted a modest 134 but defended it brilliantly, dismantling Biratnagar’s star-studded batting order. International names such as Faf du Plessis, Martin Guptill and Australian batter Sam Heazlett all failed to reach double digits, falling to disciplined bowling.

With back-to-back impressive wins, the “underdog” tag no longer fits Lumbini. Their bowling duo — spinner Sher Malla and fast bowler Ruben Trumpelmann — has been central to their turnaround, dismantling top orders in both playoff matches. Sher currently sits second on the season’s wicket-takers list with 14 wickets, while Trumpelmann has taken 12.

Rohit’s all-round contribution has also been crucial. While he has yet to score a half-century this season, he has provided stability in Lumbini’s fragile batting order and remains third on the tournament’s run-scorers list with 260 runs. He has also taken seven wickets. Young spinners Abhishek Gautam and Tilak Bhandari continue to challenge opposition batters and could trouble Sudurpaschim as well.

Sudurpaschim, however, enter the final as the more complete and consistent side. Apart from their last league match against Biratnagar, they have excelled in all departments, winning seven of their eight matches this season. Captain Dipendra Singh Airee’s aggressive leadership has been central to their confidence and rhythm.

Their batting is anchored by Binod Bhandari, the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer (264), while pacer Avinash Bohora, with 16 wickets, is also second on the season’s wicket-takers list. Sheldon Jackson and Mukhtar Ahmed, both strong additions in recent matches, have further strengthened their batting. Avinash, spinner Harmit Singh and pacer Scott Kuggeleijn form a formidable bowling unit, as seen in their clinical performance in the first Qualifier.

With both teams chasing their maiden title, Saturday’s final at the TU Cricket Ground promises a competitive contest. Sudurpaschim carry the weight of expectations, while Lumbini arrive with momentum and belief after two surprise playoff victories.