LLI vs SUD Dream11 Prediction Today Match, My11Circle Prediction, Dream11 Team Today, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Playing XI, Pitch Report, Injury Update- Nepal Trophy T20 2026, Match 1

Lumbini Lions vs Sudurpaschim Royals: Nepal T20 2026 Match Preview, Fantasy Picks and Predicted XIs

The Nepal Trophy T20 2026 begins with a high-profile rematch as defending champions Lumbini Lions face Sudurpaschim Royals at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Monday, 26 October. The opening match is scheduled to start at 4:45 PM IST, setting the stage for a new season of Nepalese franchise cricket.

There is added significance to the fixture: the teams meet again after contesting last season’s final, where Lumbini emerged victorious. The Lions will hope to carry their title-winning confidence into the new campaign, while the Royals have an early opportunity to answer that defeat and make a statement. For fantasy cricket players, the contest features several all-rounders and experienced international recruits who could influence the result in multiple ways.

Match Details

Match: Lumbini Lions vs Sudurpaschim Royals, Match 1

Tournament: Nepal Trophy T20 2026

Date: Monday, 26 October 2026

Start time: 4:45 PM IST

Venue: Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur

Match Preview: A Rematch to Open the Season

Lumbini Lions appear to have a balanced squad, combining Nepalese internationals with overseas players who bring experience from different conditions and competitions. Captain Rohit Paudel is an important presence in the batting order, while wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella and Australian all-rounder D’Arcy Short could give the side an aggressive start. If the openers make good use of the powerplay, Lumbini may be able to put pressure on the Royals’ bowlers early.

The Lions also have options to build an innings through the middle overs. Paudel and Sundeep Jora can help stabilise the batting if early wickets fall, while players such as Short and Shadley van Schalkwyk offer additional flexibility. With left-arm fast bowler Ruben Trumpelmann among their overseas selections, Lumbini also have a potential new-ball threat and a bowler capable of troubling batters with changes of angle.

Sudurpaschim Royals will look to captain Dipendra Singh Airee to lead from the front. Airee’s value in T20 cricket extends beyond his batting: his ability to contribute with the ball and remain involved in key moments makes him a strong influence on the team’s balance. Scotland’s Brandon McMullen and New Zealand’s Scott Kuggeleijn add further all-round depth, while Binod Bhandari, Aarif Sheikh and Ishan Pandey provide batting options.

The Royals’ bowling plans could hinge on making early breakthroughs and keeping Lumbini’s top order from settling. Abinash Bohara is among the experienced local bowling options, with Hemant Dhami and other squad members contributing to the attack. Because this is the first match of the season, there is no current-tournament form to weigh up. The teams will need to adapt quickly to the pitch, conditions and pressure of a season opener.

Predicted Playing XIs

Lumbini Lions

Aasif Sheikh (wicketkeeper), Niroshan Dickwella, Rohit Paudel (captain), Sundeep Jora, Dinesh Adhikari, Sher Malla, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Ruben Trumpelmann, Kishore Mahato, Abhishesh Gautam, Tilak Bhandari.

Sudurpaschim Royals

Ishan Pandey, Binod Bhandari (wicketkeeper), Saif Ali Zaib, Dipendra Singh Airee (captain), Aarif Sheikh, Brandon McMullen, Milan Bohara, Scott Kuggeleijn, Abinash Bohara, Hemant Dhami, Anil Kharel.

Note: These are predicted XIs, not confirmed team sheets. Check the official line-ups after the toss before finalising any fantasy cricket team.

Fantasy Cricket Tips for LLI vs SUD

For Dream11 or My11Circle selections, players who can contribute in more than one discipline often offer useful fantasy value. Airee, Short, McMullen and Kuggeleijn are potential all-round picks, though their exact roles and batting positions should be confirmed when the teams are announced. Top-order batters can also benefit from facing more deliveries, making Paudel and Dickwella options to consider.

In the bowling department, Trumpelmann and Bohara may be worth assessing for their potential to take wickets at different stages of the innings. However, fantasy points can depend heavily on the final XI, bowling allocation and match conditions. Avoid locking in a team too early: the toss and confirmed line-ups can reveal important changes to player roles.

Suggested Fantasy Team 1

Wicketkeeper: Aasif Sheikh

Batters: Rohit Paudel, Niroshan Dickwella, Aarif Sheikh

All-rounders: D’Arcy Short (vice-captain), Dipendra Singh Airee (captain), Brandon McMullen, Scott Kuggeleijn

Bowlers: Ruben Trumpelmann, Durgesh Gupta, Abinash Bohara

Suggested Fantasy Team 2

Wicketkeepers: Aasif Sheikh, Binod Bhandari

Batters: Rohit Paudel (captain), Niroshan Dickwella

All-rounders: D’Arcy Short, Dipendra Singh Airee, Brandon McMullen (vice-captain), Scott Kuggeleijn

Bowlers: Ruben Trumpelmann, Sher Malla, Abinash Bohara

These combinations are starting points rather than guaranteed recommendations. Fantasy contests involve uncertainty, and player selection should be adjusted based on confirmed availability, team roles and the scoring rules of the platform being used.

Pitch, Weather and Match Conditions

The match will be played at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. Conditions at the venue can influence how quickly the surface plays and how much assistance is available to bowlers, so the toss may provide useful clues about each captain’s approach. The supplied match information does not include a confirmed pitch assessment, weather forecast or chasing-team record. Fantasy players should check an updated local forecast and reliable pre-match reports before making final selections.

With this being the first fixture of the competition, there is also no 2026 tournament data to indicate a clear pattern in scoring or successful strategies. Teams may initially take a cautious approach while assessing the surface, before accelerating as the innings develops.

Key Players to Watch

Dipendra Singh Airee: The Royals captain can influence the game with both bat and ball, making him one of the most versatile players in the contest.

D’Arcy Short: Short’s attacking batting and all-round skill give Lumbini an option who could deliver value across different phases of a T20 match.

Rohit Paudel: As captain and a key batter, Paudel will be central to Lumbini’s plans, especially if the side needs to rebuild after an early setback.

Ruben Trumpelmann: The left-arm quick could provide a different angle for the Lions’ attack and may be particularly important during the early overs.

Match Prediction

Lumbini Lions enter the opener with the confidence of defending champions and a lineup featuring several experienced match-winners. Sudurpaschim Royals have the all-round resources to make the contest competitive, particularly if Airee, McMullen and Kuggeleijn contribute across departments. On balance, Lumbini Lions appear to have a slight edge, but the result may depend on early wickets, the performance of the top order and how effectively both teams adapt to the Kirtipur conditions.

Prediction: Lumbini Lions are favoured to win, though the Royals have the firepower to challenge them in this Nepal Trophy T20 2026 season opener.