
Sudur Paschim Royals vs Lumbini Lions Match Analysis
The Nepal Premier League 2025 has boiled down to this ultimate showdown at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. As we approach the Final on December 13, the atmosphere is electric, though the conditions tell a different story.
The Sudur Paschim Royals (SPR) enter this final as the formidable favorites, having secured a direct path by crushing the Biratnagar Kings in Qualifier 1. They look like a well-oiled machine, boasting a lineup that balances aggression with tactical acumen.
On the other side of the ring, the Lumbini Lions (LUL) have taken the hard road, showcasing exceptional resilience in Qualifier 2. They might not have the explosive firepower of the Royals, but they have grit in spades, led by a captain who knows how to grind out results.
Sudur Paschim Royals vs. Lumbini Lions Team Preview & Squads
Sudur Paschim Royals
Captain Dipendra Singh Airee has been the heartbeat of the SPR throughout this tournament, offering a dual threat that few teams can counter. His leadership has been proactive rather than reactive.
In terms of batting depth, the Royals have found a gem in the experienced Binod Bhandari, whose match-winning 63 off 52 balls in the Qualifier was a masterclass in adapting to conditions. However, the team does have a soft underbelly in the middle order if the top wickets fall cheaply.
The bowling attack is arguably the most potent in the league, spearheaded by the pace and bounce of Scott Kuggeleijn. The attack is well-rounded, with strong support from local talent and the captain himself, making them lethal on the Kirtipur surface.
Looking at their last match performance, everything clicked for SPR in Qualifier 1 against Biratnagar. Posting 155/7 on a difficult track was commendable, but bowling the opposition out in 14.1 overs was championship-winning stuff.
Sudur Paschim Royals Squads

Aarif Sheikh, Dipendra Singh Airee (c), Binod Bhandari (WK), Dipak Bohara, Abinash Bohara, Josh Brown, Hemant Dhami, Harmeet Singh, Scott Kuggeleijn, Chris Lynn, Milan Bohara, Ishan Pandey, Tek Rawat, Naren Saud, Dipendra Thapa
Lumbini Lions
Rohit Paudel carries the weight of the LUL on his shoulders, serving as both the tactical brain and the batting anchor. His leadership style is calm under chaos, a trait that was visible during their tense defense in Qualifier 2.
LUL batting unit faces concerns regarding early-order instability, often losing wickets in clusters during the Powerplay. While D’Arcy Short provides international pedigree at the top, he needs to fire in this high-stakes game to prevent the middle order from being exposed too early.
Bowling is where the Lions truly roar, with Tilak Bhandari emerging as a massive threat, picking up 3/15 in the last game. The inclusion of Ruben Trumpelmann adds international quality to the seam attack, giving them a fighting chance against explosive batsmen.
In their last match, Qualifier 2, the Lions showed immense character to defend 134/8 against Biratnagar. It wasn’t a pretty win, but dismissing the opposition for 94 proved that their bowling unit is championship-ready. Tilak Bhandari was the hero, but the victory came at the cost of high energy expenditure just days before the final.
Lumbini Lions Squads

Sundeep Jora, Sumit Maharjan, Dilip Nath, D’Arcy Short, Gulbadin Naib, Rohit Paudel (c), Sher Malla, Aadil Khan, Tilak Bhandari, Thomas Draca, Abhishesh Gautam, Durgesh Gupta, Bishal Patel, JJ Smit, Ruben Trumpelmann, Dinesh Adhikari, Sameer Ali Musalman, Niroshan Dickwella (WK)
SPR vs LUL Match Details |
|
| Match | Sudur Paschim Royals vs Lumbini Lions | Final | Nepal Premier League 2025 |
| Date | 13/12/2025 (Saturday) |
| Time | BDT 3:45 PM / PKT 2:45 PM / INR 3:15 PM |
| Format | T20 |
| Venue | Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur |
| Recent performance | Sudur Paschim Royals – W W W L W
Lumbini Lions – L L L L L |
| Live Streaming Details | Click here to watch the SPR vs LUL | Live Stream on Sports Live Hub (SLH) |
SPR vs LUL Outfield Report
The pitch at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground has recently transformed into a graveyard for batsmen, as evidenced by the last two matches where teams failed to cross the 100-run mark in the second innings. It is a surface that demands patience, gripping significantly for spinners and forcing pacers to rely on cutters and slower bouncers.
The weather in Kirtipur for this December clash will be cool and crisp, typical of the Nepalese winter. While it is a day match starting in the afternoon, the temperature will drop as the game progresses into the evening. The dew factor is a looming variable; if moisture settles in during the second innings,
Powerplay strategy will be crucial here; hitting through the line is fraught with risk, so fielding restrictions must be utilized with smart ground shots rather than blind slogging. Fielding impact will be massive, on a low-scoring ground, saving 10-15 runs in the outfield is as good as scoring them. Both teams will likely look to survive the first six overs without major damage rather than trying to blast 60 runs.
Sudur Paschim Royals vs. Lumbini Lions Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches
As this is the inaugural season leading into the final, the recent history is defined by their league stage encounters and current momentum. The two teams have established themselves as the premier sides of the tournament, but Sudur Paschim Royals hold the psychological edge given their dominant entry into the final compared to Lumbini’s scrappier route.
SPR vs LUL Prediction
| Event | Sudur Paschim Royals | Lumbini Lions |
| Toss Winner | – | Lumbini Lions |
| Player of the Match | Dipendra Singh Airee | – |
| Top Run Scorer | Binod Bhandari | Rohit Paudel |
| Top Wicket Taker | Scott Kuggeleijn | Tilak Bhandari |
| Most Sixes | Dipendra Singh Airee | D’Arcy Short |
| Predicted Score | 160+ | 135+ |
| Win Probability | 52% | 48% |
According to cricket analysts Sudur Paschim Royals have a 52% chance of Winning.
Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.
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