Lumbini Lions, who had a difficult season last year with only a solitary win—coincidentally against Chitwan Rhinos—have begun this year’s NPL with a victory against the same team. They defeated the Rhinos by 4 wickets while chasing 143.

The Lions’ chase started blazingly as Sohail Tanvir conceded 17 runs in the opening over, the most in a first over this season. Despite losing D’Arcy Short (11) in the next over, they raced to 34/1 in 3 overs. The next 5 overs, however, yielded just 27 runs. Sundeep Jora—promoted to create a left-right combination—was the next to depart under a dubious third-umpire decision when Dhakal’s foot was checked for a no-ball. Jora played a cameo of 28 off 18 balls. Rohit Paudel survived a run-out chance on 4 when he slipped attempting a quick run, and Malan missed the direct hit.

Dilip Nath (10) was run out despite a full-length dive while attempting a third run. Gulbadin Naib (44) then shared a 60-run stand with skipper Rohit Paudel (39). Rohit received a huge slice of luck when replays showed his foot was in the air while he tried to work Malla’s delivery to the on-side, yet the third umpire still gave him “Not Out.” Ravi Bopara and the Rhinos were left baffled when the decision flashed on the big screen. Paudel was eventually caught by Dhakal off Tanvir (1/30), but the damage had been done. Naib’s quick-fire 44 off 24 ensured the match wouldn’t stretch into the final over. His knock included 3 fours and 3 sixes, and he was dropped twice—on 29 and 43. After on-field umpires came under heavy criticism yesterday, the Third umpire has come under scrutiny now.

Earlier in the first innings…

David Malan dragged a wide full delivery from Trumplemann (3/23)  onto his stumps, departing for a golden duck in the first over—his second consecutive low score. Deepak Bohara was stumped by Arjun Saud when he attempted a big shot without reaching the pitch of the ball off Abhisheh Gautam (2/15).

Dev Khanal’s late and indecisive call for a run nearly cost him his wicket, but Rohit Paudel missed the direct hit. He survived another run-out scare shortly after when he pushed Bopara for a quick single from the non-striker’s end, just making his ground on 3. Bopara would have been out had the throw gone to the other end. Khanal found Sundeep Jora at mid-wicket when he tried to accelerate his innings on 14.

With deliveries stopping and turning, Rhinos struggled to accelerate in the middle overs. Bopara added 44 runs with Kushal Malla (21) and 43 more with Saif Zaib (15). Having batted fluently in the first match, Bopara found timing difficult this time and brought up the slowest fifty of the NPL season in 45 balls, surpassing the previous slowest—Rohit Paudel’s 43-ball fifty against the Rhinos.

Bopara eventually completed back-to-back fifties and finished with 66 off 55 balls, including 4 fours and 3 sixes. Naib removed him with a catch at short fine leg. Despite scoring 91 runs in the last 10 overs, the Rhinos’ total of 142/7 never looked enough, especially with dew expected to play a role. In the absence of frontline spinners, Zaib and Malla bowled left-arm spin but failed to make an impact.

With this result, the Lions move to second on the points table, while the Rhinos drop to fourth. The Lions face the Yaks on Saturday, whereas the Rhinos have a five-day break before their next match against Biratnagar Kings.