Lumbini restricts Sudurpashchim in tournament opener

The opening fixture of the third edition of the tournament witnessed a strong bowling performance as Lumbini bowled out Sudurpashchim for 87 runs. Sudurpashchim managed to post 87 runs in 17.2 overs before being entirely dismissed, leaving an 88-run target for their opponents. The batting lineup struggled to build partnerships, losing wickets at regular intervals during the early and middle overs of the contest. Sher Malla made early breakthroughs for Lumbini, dismissing opening batter Binod Bhandari in the 3.1 over and later removing Sherfane Rutherford and Scott Kuggelein. Malla finished his spell with three wickets while conceding ten runs. Kishori Mahato further dismantled the batting order by claiming four wickets, while three other bowlers each secured a single dismissal. Sudurpashchim lost their initial wickets quickly, including Ishan Pandey falling as the fifth wicket in the 8.2 over and further losses reaching nine wickets as the innings progressed past the thirteenth over. Captain Dipendra Singh Airee provided the highest score for his side, contributing 27 runs from 23 deliveries faced before the team's innings concluded at 87 runs.