Karnali Yaks will face Sudurpaschim Royals in the final league match of the inaugural Nepal Premier League on Monday at the TU International Cricket Ground at 9 AM. With Sudurpaschim Royals, Janakpur Bolts, and Chitwan Rhinos already confirmed for the playoffs, this match will decide the fourth and final playoff spot along with the teams that will play the first qualifier and eliminator on Wednesday.
For Karnali Yaks to qualify, they must avoid losing by more than 53 runs. To finish in the top two, they need to win by at least 18 runs, which will bring down Janakpur Bolts to number three and set up a clash with Chitwan Rhinos in the eliminator.
Both teams are coming off five-run victories in their previous matches. Sudurpaschim Royals defeated Pokhara Avengers, while Karnali Yaks edged past Lumbini Lions. Karnali Yaks will be aiming for a win to finish in the top two, which would give them a second chance in the playoffs. Sudurpaschim Royals, however, are comfortably in the top two and may make changes to their playing XI ahead of the playoffs. Binod Bhandari might be rested, with young Arjun Kumal possibly getting a chance as wicketkeeper-batsman.
Karnali Yaks have struggled with the bat this season, relying heavily on William Bosisto and Chadwick Walton for runs since the return of Shikhar Dhawan. Their bowling has been decent, but concerns remain over captain Sompal Kami’s form. Sompal has only taken five wickets in his last six matches, and to challenge Sudurpaschim Royals batting, he will need to step up with the ball.
On the other hand, Sudurpaschim Royals have no such concerns. Aarif Sheikh’s unbeaten 42 against Pokhara Avengers was a good sign for the Royals domestic batters stepping up in the batting lineup, with the team looking strong ahead of the playoffs.
Karnali Yaks Probable Playing XI: Dev Khanal, Babar Hayat, Chadwick Walton, William Bosisto, Gulshan Jha, Arjun Gharti, Zeeshan Maqsood, Sompal Kami, Nandan Yadav, Bipin Sharma, Unish Thakuri.
Sudurpaschim Royals Probable Playing XI: Saif Zaib, Arjun Kumal, Brendon McMullen, Harmeet Singh, Arif Sheikh, Dipendra Singh Airee, Khadak Bohara, Abinash Bohara, Naren Saud, Bhojraj Bhatta, Scott Kuggeleijn.
Fans can follow all the action live on Star Sports globally, Fancode in India, Dish Home Go OTT in Nepal, and Action Sports’ YouTube channel in Nepal.
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