Chitwan Rhinos will take on Karnali Yaks in the eliminator, the first match of the day. Both teams finished the league stage with 8 points (4 wins each), but their journeys to the eliminator were contrasting. Chitwan Rhinos started strong with two commanding victories, while Karnali Yaks stumbled with two losses in their opening matches. Notably, the Rhinos defeated both top-two sides—Sudurpaschim Royals and Janakpur Bolts—whereas Karnali managed a victory only against Chitwan among the top three. Whether these wins and losses matter will only be revealed as the game unfolds.
Chitwan Rhinos enter this match with momentum, having won their last game against Janakpur Bolts. They posted a formidable 180/5 and secured a 32-run victory. The Bolts remained in the contest as long as James Neesham was at the crease, but his dismissal turned the tide.
On the other hand, Karnali Yaks pulled off a thrilling 6-wicket victory against Chitwan Rhinos. However, their 4-match winning streak was broken in the last game against Sudurpaschim Royals, where their batting faltered badly—they were bowled out for just 101 and lost by 6 wickets.
The Yaks handed young Rit Gautam, replacing bowler Unish Bikram Singh, an opportunity in their last league match. Unfortunately, Gautam was dismissed for a duck, raising questions about whether they would persist with him or revert to their previous lineup.
Bipin Sharma and Nadan Yadav have been exceptional throughout the tournament, sharing 16 wickets between them. Meanwhile, Sohail Tanvir and Rijan Dhakal have formed the most lethal opening bowling duo of the competition, claiming 25 wickets collectively.
It promises to be an exciting clash, with both teams looking to secure a spot in the next round.
Probable Playing XI (Chitwan Rhinos)
Santosh Karki
Kushal Malla (C)
Ravi Bopara
Basil Hameed
Deepak Bohara
Amar Singh Rautela
Bipin Rawal
Ranjit Kumar
Rijan Dhakal
Sohail Tanvir
Probable Playing XI (Karnali Yaks)
Dev Khanal
Babar Hayat
Chadwick Walton
William Bosisto
Zeeshan Maqsood
Gulsan Jha
Arjun Gharti
Sompal Kami
Nandan Yadav
Bipin Sharma
Unish Thakuri
