KATHMANDU: Pokhara Avengers and Sudurpaschim Royals face off on Friday in the ongoing second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL). The match is scheduled to start at 4 pm at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
Pokhara will be led by national team opener Kushal Bhurtel, renowned for his aggressive batting. In his previous outing, one of his massive sixes even smashed the glass window of the Star Sports commentators’ box, adding to his reputation as one of Nepal’s most explosive hitters.
Sudurpaschim will be captained by national team vice-captain Dipendra Singh Airee, one of Nepal’s most dynamic all-rounders. His ability to influence the game with bat, ball, and exceptional fielding makes him a difficult hurdle for any opponent. The head-to-head between these two captains has become one of the most anticipated attractions of today’s fixture.
In the NPL standings so far, Biratnagar, Sudurpaschim, and Lumbini have each secured two points from a match apiece. Kathmandu and Chitwan, despite playing two games each, also sit on two points.
Janakpur, Pokhara, and Karnali are yet to open their accounts. Pokhara will be aiming for a comeback with their first win today, while last season’s runner-up Sudurpaschim will look to strengthen their campaign with a second victory.
All NPL matches this season are being held at the TU Ground, with both afternoon and night fixtures. CAN has allocated 9,450 tickets per match.
Eight franchise teams are competing this season: Janakpur, Sudurpaschim Royals, Karnali Yaks, Pokhara Avengers, Biratnagar Kings, Chitwan Rhinos, Kathmandu Gurkhas, and Lumbini Lions.
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