The second game on Tuesday features the Pokhara Avengers taking on the Karnali Yaks. The Yaks have bounced back impressively, winning two matches in a row after starting the tournament with consecutive losses. Meanwhile, the Avengers enjoyed a three-day break following their emphatic 10-wicket victory over the Lumbini Lions, powered by Andries Gous’s brilliant century.
Pokhara’s start to the tournament was far from ideal, with a disastrous opening match where they collapsed to 7/6 and were eventually bowled out for just 74. However, their batting has shown signs of improvement since then. Gous, who joined the team late, has made an immediate impact, particularly in his second game. Skipper Kushal Bhurtel will be eager to step up and deliver a standout performance. Bipin Khatri has been exceptional with his clever left-arm spin, though the rest of the bowling attack has been inconsistent. The Avengers are likely to stick with their winning combination.
For the Yaks, the opening bowling duo of Nandan Yadav and skipper Sompal Kami were instrumental in their thrilling 7-run victory over the Biratnagar Kings, defending 35 runs in the final four overs. The addition of Australian all-rounder William Giles Bosisto has strengthened the Yaks’ lineup, while Dev Khanal finally broke through with the tournament’s first half-century in their last match.
With four points from as many games, the Yaks are currently fourth on the table. Their playoff hopes remain in their own hands, with three matches still to play. They will aim to close the gap between Sudurpaschim Royals and Chitwan Rhinos for the second spot. The Yaks are without the services of Shikhar Dhawan but have the option to bring back Babar Hayat or local player Rit Gautam. The rest of the lineup is expected to remain unchanged.
Probable Playing XI (Karnali Yaks)
Dev Khanal
Chadwick Walton
Babar Hayat/Rit Gautam
William Bosisto
Zeeshan Maqsood
Gulsan Jha
Arjun Gharti
Sompal Kami
Nandan Yadav
Bipin Sharma
Unish Thakuri
Probable Playing XI (Pokhara Avengers)
Dinesh Kharel
Andries Gous (Wk)
Kushal Bhurtel (C)
Bas De Leede/Marcus Critchley
Dilip Nath
Michael Leask
Narayan Joshi
Raymon Reifer
Bipin Khatri
Akash Chand
Sagar Dhakal
