Kathmandu Gurkhas will take on Chitwan Rhinos in the opening match of the Nepal Premier League on December 2 at 9:15 AM NPT. The game will be played at the TU International Cricket Ground, kicking off the league’s double-header. Both teams hail from the Bagmati Province, making their encounter famously known as “The Bagmati Derby.”
Kathmandu Gurkhas: Team Overview
Under the captaincy of Karan KC, supported by vice-captain Gerhard Erasmus, the Gurkhas boast a strong leadership duo. Their batting lineup looks formidable with Michael Levitt, the Dutch batter, expected to open alongside Stephen Eskinazi, forming a reliable top-order partnership. Bhim Sharki is set to stabilize the innings at number 3, while Gerhard Erasmus at 4 and Daniel Douthwaite at 5 strengthen the middle order. All-rounders like Rashid Khan and skipper Karan KC add depth to the batting lineup.
The Gurkhas’ likely XI:
1. Michael Levitt
2. Stephen Eskinazi (WK)
3. Bhim Sharki
4. Gerhard Erasmus
5. Daniel Douthwaite
6. Rashid Khan
7. Karan KC
8. Shahab Alam
9. Dipesh Kandel
10. Bibek KC
11. Krishna Karki
The pitch is expected to assist spinners, which might prompt the Gurkhas to rely on left-arm spinners Shahab Alam and Dipesh Kandel. The pace attack will be led by Karan KC, Rashid Khan, Bibek KC, and Krishna Karki.
Chitwan Rhinos: Team Overview
The Rhinos face a tough challenge against the Gurkhas and will be missing their key medium pacer, Kamal Singh Airee, who has been replaced by Nar Bahadur Sharki for the season. The team will field two left-arm medium pacers, Rijan Dhakal and Sohail Tanvir, to bolster their bowling attack.
In the batting department, Hassan Eisakhil and Deepak Bohara are expected to open, with Luc Benkenstein, Kushal Malla, and Sarad Vesawkar forming the core of the middle order. All-rounders like Loftie-Eaton and Amar Singh Routela provide balance to the side.
The Rhinos’ likely XI:
1. Hassan Eisakhil
2. Deepak Bohara
3. Luc Benkenstein
4. Kushal Malla
5. Sarad Vesawkar
6. Loftie-Eaton
7. Amar Singh Routela
8. Santosh Karki (WK)
9. Nar Bahadur Sharki
10. Rijan Dhakal
11. Sohail Tanvir
The team may miss the services of Ravi Bopara, who only arrived on Sunday evening and might not be match-ready.
Match Outlook
The Gurkhas appear stronger on paper, with a balanced squad and experienced leadership. However, the Rhinos can pull off surprises, especially with their unpredictable bowling lineup. The Bagmati Derby promises an exciting start to the Nepal Premier League.
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