Will Lions Roar or Royals Claim the Crown?

Last season’s runners-up, Sudurpaschim Royals, face Lumbini Lions in the final of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) today, December 13.

The day-night final begins at 3:30 pm at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Kathmandu.

Sudurpaschim topped the league table in both seasons, winning six of their seven league matches and booked final berths by winning Qualifier 1. They were beaten by Janakpur Bolts in last season’s final.

In this edition, the Royals defeated the Biratnagar Kings by 77 runs in Qualifier 1.

Lumbini’s run to the final has been remarkable. Last season, they ended at the bottom of the table. They finished fourth in the league stage this season to reach the playoffs. 

Lumbini defeated Kathmandu Gorkhas in the Eliminator and then overcame Biratnagar Kings in the second qualifier to seal a place in the final.

The NPL champions will receive Rs 11 million in prize money. The runners-up will earn Rs 5.1 million. The third- and fourth-placed teams will receive Rs 2.5 million and Rs 1.5 million, respectively.

The best Nepali player of the tournament will be awarded a JAECOO J5 EV.

Organised by the Cricket Association of Nepal, the eight-team franchise-based T20 competition began its second season on November 17.