Ben Cutting: Lumbini Lions’ Biggest Signing and IPL Hero

CGC News Reporter November 24, 2024

Ben Cutting is undoubtedly the most significant player signed by Lumbini Lions for the Nepal Premier League (NPL). The 37-year-old Australian all-rounder brings with him extensive experience, having played in numerous prestigious franchise leagues across the globe.

While Cutting has enjoyed a long and successful career in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), his crowning achievement came in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He played a key role in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s only IPL title win in 2016, defeating Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the final.

In that thrilling match, Cutting made his mark as both a finisher and a bowler. With Hyderabad posting a target of 209 runs, Cutting played an instrumental role in boosting the team’s total, scoring 39 off just 15 balls. His powerful hitting in the final over helped Hyderabad add 24 runs, with Cutting contributing 23 of those. Among his three sixes, one soared over the roof of the stadium, traveling a remarkable 117 meters, marking it as the longest six of the tournament.

Cutting’s contributions were not limited to batting. With the ball, he claimed two crucial wickets in the second innings. His dismissals of RCB openers Chris Gayle and KL Rahul proved pivotal in the match. Cutting broke the opening partnership between Gayle and Virat Kohli, which had been threatening, and his dismissal of Rahul further put RCB under pressure as they chased the daunting target. Cutting’s all-round performance in the final earned him the ‘Man of the Match’ award.