Sudurpaschim Royals and Kathmandu Gurkhas, both buoyed by victories in their previous outings, are set to face off in match nine of the Nepal Premier League on Thursday at the TU International Cricket Ground.
Royals Banking on Dipendra Singh Airee’s Brilliance
The Royals come into this match with a solid all-round performance against Biratnagar Kings. However, their domestic top-order batters, Amit Shrestha, Binod Bhandari, and Aarif Sheikh, need to fire to solidify the team’s batting strength. The spotlight remains on captain Dipendra Singh Airee, whose explosive 23-ball half-century, the fastest in the tournament so far, turned heads. Airee’s contribution with the ball, conceding just nine runs in two overs, highlights his pivotal all-round role in the team.
The Royals bowling attack, led by Scott Kuggeleijn and Abinash Bohara, will be a major challenge for Kathmandu’s batters. The pair combined for six wickets in their previous match, and their ability to exploit Kathmandu’s struggles against medium pacers makes them players to watch out for.
Gurkhas Looking for Batting Stability
Kathmandu Gurkhas must address their batting inconsistencies to counter Sudurpaschim’s potent bowling lineup. The top order, including Michael Levitt and Stephen Eskinazi, has shown glimpses of form but needs to step up collectively. Bhim Sharki, a seasoned campaigner at TU Cricket Ground, is yet to deliver a standout performance and will be eager to contribute.
On the bowling front, the Gurkhas spin duo of Shahab Alam and Dipesh Kandel will play a crucial role. Their combined eight overs could be decisive against a Royals lineup brimming with firepower in the middle order.
Probable Playing XI
Sudurpaschim Royals: Amit Shrestha, Binod Bhandari, Brendon McMullen, Aarif Sheikh, Saif Zaib, Ishan Pandey, Dipendra Singh Airee (c), Scott Kuggeleijn, Abinash Bohara, Naresh Budayair, Basant Khatri.
Kathmandu Gurkhas: Michael Levitt, Shankar Rana, Stephen Eskinazi, Bhim Sharki, Gerhard Erasmus, Sumit Maharjan, Karan KC (c), Rashid Khan, Shahab Alam, Dipesh Kandel, Nathan Sowter.
Where to Watch
Fans can catch 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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