Both teams come into this match riding high on recent victories. Biratnagar Kings pulled off a record run chase against Lumbini Lions, while Karnali Yaks secured their first win of the season by overcoming the Chitwan Rhinos. With two losses each in the tournament so far, neither side can afford to slip up in this fixture. A win would propel the victor closer to the playoff race, while a loss would significantly dent their chances.
Karnali Yaks will take confidence from Dev Khanal’s first double-digit score (25) of the season and Chadwick Walton’s impactful 30 off 19 in the previous match. Their spin duo, Bipin Sharma and Zeeshan Maqsood have been instrumental in stifling opposition batters with their disciplined left-arm spin, and they will again be key players.
For Biratnagar Kings, the return to form of Lokesh Bam, who smashed 71 off 47 in the last game, is a major boost. Skipper Sandeep Lamichhane also showed glimpses of his class with figures of 1/26, claiming his first wicket of the tournament after going wicketless in the first two matches. However, the Kings’ batting remains a concern, with only 34 runs combined between Rajesh Pulami and Nicholas Kirton. While Martin Guptill has been a consistent performer, their middle order needs to step up. Basir’s promising 40 in the last game is a positive sign, but it’s the pace department that requires urgent improvement.
The opening pair of Pratish GC and Chris Sole has struggled to make an impact across the three matches. For Biratnagar Kings to succeed in this critical encounter, their pacers must deliver early breakthroughs and set the tone.
With both teams eager to keep their playoff hopes alive, this clash promises to be an intense battle.
Probable Playing XI of Karnali Yaks
Dev Khanal
Shikhar Dhawan
Chadwick Walton
Babar Hayat
Zeeshan Maqsood
Gulsan Jha
Arjun Gharti
Sompal Kami
Nandan Yadav
Mausam Dhakal
Bhuvan Karki
Probable Playing XI of Biratnagar Kings
Lokesh Bam (WK)
Martin Guptill
Aqib Ilyas
Nicholas Kirton
Basir Ahamad
Rajesh Pulami
Pratish GC
Sandeep Lamichhane (c)
Chris Sole
Jitendra Mukhiya
Anil Kharel
