Kathmandu: Nepal national cricket captain Rohit Paudel-led Lumbini Lions began their Nepal Premier League T20 campaign on a winning note cruising to a six-wicket victory over Chitwan Rhinos at the TU Cricket Stadium in Kirtipur on Thursday.

Paudel and Afghan all-rounder Gulbadin Naib laid the foundation for the chase with a crucial 60-run stand for the fourth wicket, guiding the Lions to 146-4 with nine balls to spare after the Rhinos had posted 142-7 in their 20 overs.

With the outcome, the Lions inflicted first defeat to Rhions in their second match.

Naib produced a blistering knock of 44 off just 24 balls hammering three fours and three sixes remaining unbeaten. Paudel, meanwhile, crafted a patient 39 off 44 before falling to Sohail Tanvir, caught by Rijan Dhakal.

Opener Sundeep Jora chipped in with a valuable 28 off 18 balls including four boundaries. D’Arcy Short (11) and Dilip Nath (10) also contributed useful runs in double figures.

Rijan Dhakal was the pick of the Rhinos’ bowlers with figures of 2-17 from his three overs, while Tanvir claimed one wicket.

Earlier, English all-rounder Ravi Bopara struck a half-century to steer the Rhinos to a competitive total. Despite being reduced to 43-3, the 40-year-old Bopara steadied the innings with a composed 66 off 55 balls, laced with four boundaries and three sixes. He was eventually dismissed in the final over, caught by Dilip Nath off Gulbadin Naib.

Captain Kushal Malla added a brisk 21 off 18, including a six while opener Deepak Bohara (10), Dev Khanal (14) and Saif Zaib (15) were the other batters to reach double digits.

Namibian pacer Ruben Trumpelmann shone with the ball for Lumbini, returning with figures of 3-23 from his four overs while Abhinesh Gautam and Gulbadin Naib took two wickets each.

Pokhara Avengers will vie against Sudurpaschim Royals in the only game set for 4:00 PM kickoff.