Lumbini Lions v Karnali Yaks | Team Preview | Probable Playing XIs

The Lumbini Lions became the first team to be knocked out of the competition after losing their fifth game in six matches. On the other hand, the Karnali Yaks are riding high on confidence after securing three consecutive wins. The Yaks had a shaky start with two consecutive losses, even with Shikhar Dhawan in the lineup for the initial four games. Despite the team’s early struggles, skipper Rohit Paudel has been exceptional with both bat and ball, amassing over 260 runs and taking seven wickets.

In their recent match, the Yaks claimed a convincing 7-wicket victory over the Pokhara Avengers, thanks to William Bosisto’s tournament-best bowling figures of 6 for 28. While Dev Khanal has had an inconsistent tournament, Chadwick Walton is finding his rhythm, contributing with another crucial knock, and Gulshan Jha chipped in with a valuable 49. Bipin Sharma has been a revelation for the Yaks, with the teenager picking up seven wickets in just four matches. Yaks still have a chance to finish in the top two.

For the Lumbini Lions, their last game encapsulated their campaign’s struggles as they failed to chase the tournament’s lowest total of 103. Although their bowling has improved over the past three games ever since the addition of young Abhishesh Gautam, their batting lineup has been a major letdown. This has been particularly evident in their inability to chase even modest totals. The Lions’ biggest issue has been the lack of significant opening partnerships, with scores of 7, 1, 22, 0, 0, and 23 in their last six games. With elimination confirmed, the Lions will now be playing for pride and to spoil their opponents’ chances.

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