KATHMANDU: Biratnagar Kings and Chitwan Rhinos will face each other on Wednesday in the second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL).
Biratnagar is led by Sandeep Lamichhane, while Chitwan is captained by Kushal Malla. The match is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, Kirtipur.
Biratnagar, unbeaten so far, has won all three of its matches and accumulated 6 points. Chitwan, with two points from two matches, is under pressure to improve its standings. The key battle to watch will be between Sandeep Lamichhane’s bowling—he leads the tournament with 7 wickets in two matches—and Ravi Bopara’s batting, as the Chitwan all-rounder has scored half-centuries in both of his matches this season.
Biratnagar’s victories include a 53-run win over Pokhara, a 5-wicket win against Kathmandu, and a 9-run win against Janakpur. Despite having equal points with Sudurpaschim, Biratnagar sits second due to net run rate.
Chitwan, fifth in the table, defeated Karnali by four wickets in its first match but lost to Lumbini by six wickets in the second. Both teams enter today’s match under must-win pressure—Biratnagar aiming for the top spot and Chitwan seeking crucial points.
Eight franchise teams are competing in the NPL: Janakpur Bolts, Sudurpaschim Royals, Karnali Yaks, Pokhara Avengers, Biratnagar Kings, Chitwan Rhinos, Kathmandu Gurkhas, and Lumbini Lions.
Sudurpaschim and Biratnagar lead the table with 6 points each, with Sudurpaschim ahead on net run rate. Kathmandu holds third place with four points, followed by Lumbini, Chitwan, and Karnali. Janakpur and Pokhara have yet to secure a point after two matches each.
All NPL Season 2 matches are being played at the TU Ground in Kirtipur, with games scheduled for both afternoon and night. CAN is selling 9,450 tickets per match. The league, which began on Mangsir 1, will run until Mangsir 27, featuring 32 matches including league games, three playoffs, and the final.
Ticket prices are set at Rs 500 (general) and Rs 1,500 (premium) for Saturdays. For other league-stage matches, prices are Rs 500 (general) and Rs 1,000 (premium). For playoff and final matches, tickets cost Rs 1,000 (general) and Rs 2,000 (premium).
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