Tuesday Morning Match-Up: Kushal Malla’s Rhinos vs. Rohit Paudel’s Lions
After an off day in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) on Monday, the action resumes Tuesday morning with Kushal Malla’s Rhinos taking on Rohit Paudel’s Lumbini Lions. Despite losing four consecutive matches, the Lions are still mathematically in contention for the playoffs. However, their hopes hinge on a miraculous turnaround, coupled with favorable results from other teams.
Lumbini Lions: Clinging to Playoff Hopes
The Lions lost a nail-biter to table-toppers Janakpur Bolts, who remain flawless in the tournament. Needing just 37 runs from the final five overs with eight wickets in hand, reckless batting cost Lumbini a golden opportunity for their first win.
The top order continues to disappoint, failing to provide a solid platform in four games so far. However, there were positives despite the defeat. Young left-arm spinner Abhishesh Gautam was the standout performer, claiming three wickets in a single over to spark a brief fightback. Skipper Rohit Paudel has been consistent with the bat and remains their key player.
Depending on fitness, Unmukt Chand could replace Ben Cutting, who has been nursing a niggle. Other than this potential change, the Lions are likely to field the same XI.
Chitwan Royals: Growing in Confidence
Chitwan Royals sit third on the table, coming off a convincing 33-run victory against the second-placed Sudur Paschim Royals. With another win, they could secure a playoff spot, but their focus will be on finishing in the top two for the added advantage of an extra game.
Hassan Eisakhil delivered an impactful 65 off 52 at the top, justifying his recall to the side after being dropped earlier in the tournament. While skipper Kushal Malla has struggled for big scores since his opening-match 36, he bowled brilliantly against Sudur Paschim, taking 2/18 from his four overs. Ravi Bopara continues to anchor the middle order with class, while the bowling attack is firing on all cylinders.
In their last game, all six bowlers picked up at least one wicket, relieving some of the pressure on key bowlers Rijan Dhakal and Sohail Tanvir. The promotion of Santosh Karki to open the innings worked well, and the Royals are likely to stick with this pairing for their clash against the Lions.
Chitwan Rhinos Last four matches – W L W W (Most recent first)
Lumbini – Last four matches – L L L L (Most recent first)
Probable XI (Chitwan Rhinos)
Santosh Karki
Bipin Rawal (Wk)
Kushal Malla (C)
Ravi Bopara
Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton
Deepak Bohara
Ranjit Kumar
Amar Singh Rautela
Rijan Dhakal
Sohail Tanvir
Probable Playing XI (Lumbini Lions)
Aashutosh Ghiraiya
Arjun Saud (Wk)
Unmukt Chand (Wk)/Ben Cutting
Rohit Kumar Paudel
Tom Moores
Sundeep Jora
Bibek Yadav
Saad Bin Zafar
Abhishesh Gautam
Durgesh Gupta
Ramon Simmonds
