KATHMANDU: The Nepal Premier League (NPL) Season 2 continues today with two key matches that could significantly influence the mid-table race and the battle for playoff spots.
The first match, starting at 11:45 a.m., features the Pokhara Avengers against the Lumbini Lions. Both teams have managed just one win so far, Pokhara from three matches and Lumbini from four, and are looking to revive their campaigns.
Pokhara sits sixth in the standings, while Lumbini is in seventh place. Kushal Bhurtel captains Pokhara, and national team skipper Rohit Kumar Paudel leads Lumbini.
The second match at 4 p.m. pits league leaders Sudurpaschim Royals against bottom-ranked Janakpur Bolts. Sudurpaschim is unbeaten in four matches and tops the table with eight points.
Janakpur, having played three matches, has yet to earn a point. Sudurpaschim is captained by Dipendra Singh Airee, while Anil Sah leads Janakpur.
Sudurpaschim shares eight points with second-placed Biratnagar Kings, who trail narrowly on net run rate. Kathmandu Gurkhas follow with six points from five matches. Chitwan Rhinos have four points, while Karnali Yaks, Pokhara Avengers, and Lumbini Lions each have two. Janakpur remains winless.
All matches of NPL Season 2 are being held at the Tribhuvan University Ground in Kirtipur, with fixtures scheduled in both day and night slots. The league features 32 matches including league games, playoffs, and the final.
Saturday’s ticket prices are Rs 500 for general and Rs 1,500 for premium seating. For other league matches, prices are fixed at Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 respectively, while playoff matches will cost Rs 1,000 for general and Rs 2,000 for premium.
The eight competing franchises are Janakpur Bolts, Sudurpaschim Royals, Karnali Yaks, Pokhara Avengers, Biratnagar Kings, Chitwan Rhinos, Kathmandu Gorkhas, and Lumbini Lions.
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