Kathmandu, Oct. 26 -- Defending champions Lumbini Lions launched their Nepal Premier League title defence with a commanding seven-wicket victory over Sudurpaschim Royals on Monday, chasing down a target of 88 in just 9.5 overs in the opening match of the tournament's third season.

After Kishore Mahato and Sher Malla shared seven wickets to bowl Sudurpaschim out for 87, Australian batter D'Arcy Short and Aasif Sheikh led Lumbini's charge with aggressive batting at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.

Short made 40 off just 18 balls, striking four fours and three sixes. He announced his intentions from the first delivery, hitting Scott Kuggeleijn for a six over deep square leg.

Aasif, who previously played f...