Pokhara Avengers vs Biratnagar Kings
The Nepal Premier League gets more exciting on Thursday as Pokhara Avengers face Biratnagar Kings in the first match of the day at 9 AM in NPL. Both teams are searching for their second win of the tournament, coming off defeats to Karnali Yaks.
Biratnagar lost by seven runs, while Pokhara suffered a comprehensive seven-wicket defeat. Biratnagar will return to action after a four-day break, with both teams currently occupying the bottom two spots on the points table with one win each.
Both team captains have struggled for form in the competition. Sandeep Lamichhane of Biratnagar has taken only one wicket in four matches, while Pokhara’s Kushal Bhurtel has scored just 16 runs in three innings.
The batting performance will be crucial for both sides, with Pokhara depending heavily on openers Andries Gous and Dinesh Kharel, and Biratnagar relying on Martin Guptill and Lokesh Bam. The inclusion of Dutch captain Scott Edwards in Biratnagar’s lineup could provide a boost to their batting.
On the bowling front, Biratnagar looks stronger with Chris Sole and Pratish GC leading their pace attack. Sandeep Lamichhane will once again be in focus as he aims to turn his form around. Pokhara will rely on their spin attack, spearheaded by Bipin Khatri, who has taken six wickets in four matches at an economy rate of 6.40.
With Bas de Leede unavailable for the rest of the tournament, Pokhara’s pace attack looks weaker. Scott Edwards is likely to debut for Biratnagar, while Pokhara is expected to field an unchanged XI.
Pokhara Avengers Probable Playing XI: Dinesh Kharel, Andries Gous, Kushal Bhurtel, Dilip Nath, Michael Leask, Narayan Joshi, Bipin Khatri, Akash Chand, Sagar Dhakal
Biratnagar Kings Probable Playing XI: Martin Guptill, Lokesh Bam, Scott Edwards, Naren Bhatta, Nicholas Kirton, Basir Ahamad, Dipak Bohara, Chris Sole, Sandeep Lamichhane, Subash Bhandari
Afternoon Clash: Janakpur Bolts vs Kathmandu Gurkhas
In the second match of the day, Janakpur Bolts take on Kathmandu Gurkhas at 1 PM in a crucial encounter. Kathmandu need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive and match the points tally of Karnali Yaks and Chitwan Rhinos. Janakpur, on the other hand, aim to bounce back from their 72-run loss to Sudurpaschim Royals. A win for the Bolts would propel them to the top of the table.
Janakpur’s main concern has been their middle-order struggles, with heavy dependence on their top-order batters. However, their bowling attack, featuring strong spin and pace options, has been consistent throughout the tournament. For Kathmandu, batting has been a persistent issue, and they face yet another tough test against Janakpur’s formidable bowling lineup.
If the pitch continues to favour spinners, as seen on Wednesday, this match could be tightly contested. Kathmandu’s spin duo of Shahab Alam and Dipesh Kandel will play a crucial role, while Janakpur’s Lalit Rajbanshi and Sher Malla are expected to lead the charge for their side.
Janakpur Bolts Probable Playing XI: Anil Sah, Asif Sheikh, Lahiru Milantha, Jimmy Neesham, Harsh Thaker, Subh Kansakar, Joshua Tromp, Sher Malla, Arniko Yadav, Lalit Rajbanshi, Kishore Mahato
Kathmandu Gurkhas Probable Playing XI: Michael Levitt, Stephen Eskinazi, Bhim Sharki, Gerhard Erasmus, Sumit Maharjan, Dan Douthwaite, Rashid Khan, Karan KC, Pratik Shrestha, Dipesh Kandel, Shahab Alam
Where to Watch
Fans can catch all the live action on Star Sports globally, Fancode in India, Dish Home Go OTT in Nepal, and Action Sports’ YouTube channel in Nepal.
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