KATHMANDU: Kathmandu Gorkhas and Sudurpaschim Royals will face off on Wednesday in the second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL).
Kathmandu, which began the tournament with a strong win over defending champions Janakpur by five wickets on Monday, will enter its second match with high confidence. The match will be equally important for Sudurpaschim, last season’s runners-up, who will look to start their campaign with a win and secure early points.
The match between Kathmandu and Sudurpaschim will begin at 4 PM on Wednesday at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground. Kathmandu is captained by Karan KC, while Sudurpaschim is led by all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee.
Kathmandu’s strengths
Momentum from the opening win is Kathmandu’s biggest asset going into the second match. Having defeated the defending champions and added two points, the team is full of enthusiasm. Kathmandu also had the opportunity to train under former Nepal national team head coach Monty Desai.
Sudurpaschim’s dependable Dipendra
Sudurpaschim, last season’s NPL runners-up, lost the final to Janakpur in the inaugural edition. Alongside captain Dipendra Singh Airee, Sudurpaschim’s squad features Binod Bhandari, Arif Sheikh, Avinash Bohara, Deepak Bohara, Milan Bohara, Hemanta Dhami, Himmat Mahara, Ishan Pandey, Tek Rawat, Naren Saud, and Dipendra Thapa. Despite the large squad, the team’s performance will heavily depend on captain Airee.
Tournament details
All matches of the second NPL season are being played at the Tribhuvan University Ground in Kirtipur, both in the afternoon and under lights. According to the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), 9,450 tickets will be available for each match.
The NPL runs from Mangsir 1 to 27, featuring 32 matches, including the league stage, three playoffs, and the final. Ticket prices for Saturdays are Rs 500 for general seating and Rs 1,500 for premium seating. For league-stage matches on other days, tickets are priced at Rs 500 and Rs 1,000. For post-playoff matches, general tickets cost Rs 1,000 and premium Rs 2,000. CAN has set the season pass price at Rs 15,000.
Eight franchise teams are competing: Janakpur, Sudurpaschim Royals, Karnali Yaks, Pokhara Avengers, Biratnagar Kings, Chitwan Rhinos, Kathmandu Gorkhas, and Lumbini Lions.
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