Two matches of the ongoing second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) cricket tournament are being played today.
In the first match, defending champions Janakpur Bolts will face Biratnagar Kings at 11:45 am. The second match, scheduled for 4 PM, will see last year’s runners-up Sudurpashchim Royals take on the Karnali Yaks.
Biratnagar and Sudurpashchim aim to maintain their unbeaten run. Janakpur, led by captain Anil Sah, had lost their opening match to Kathmandu Gorkhas by 5 wickets. To stay in title race, Janakpur will seek a comeback and regain momentum against Biratnagar.
Biratnagar, under the captaincy of Sandeep Lamichhane, is targeting its third consecutive victory. Biratnagar had defeated Pokhara Avengers in the first match and Kathmandu in the second. In the previous edition, Janakpur had cruised to an 8-wicket win over Biratnagar in the opening match.This time, Biratnagar will be determined to turn the tables and put things right.
In the second match, Sudurpashchim, captained by Dipendra Singh Airee, will face Karnali, led by Sompal Kami. Despite an impressive performance in the last edition, Sudurpashchim had suffered a defeat in the final, and this time they are determined to lift the title.
Karnali, who began the tournament with a loss against Chitwan Rhinos, made a strong comeback on Saturday by defeating Lumbini Lions. In their dominant 9-wicket win, Mark Watt smashed a blistering century to steer Karnali to victory.
Karnali, who qualified for the playoffs last season thanks to net run rate, hopes for a smoother campaign this time. Sudurpashchim had stunned Karnali by 6 wickets in the previous edition, and Karnali will be keen to avoid a repeat of that loss today.
Organized by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), the tournament began on November 17 and will conclude on December 13.
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