Pokhara Avengers v Kathmandu Gurkhas | Match Preview | Probable Playing XIs

This match is a virtual knockout, as both teams have only four points from five matches. A win will keep their playoff hopes alive, while a loss will severely dent their chances, especially with their poor net run rates.

The Pokhara Avengers kept their playoff dreams intact with a thrilling Super Over win against the Biratnagar Kings, thanks to Raymon Reifer’s outstanding all-around performance. In contrast, the Kathmandu Gurkhas suffered a defeat in their last match against table-toppers Janakpur Bolts.

Despite Skipper Kushal Bhurtel’s slow-paced innings of 31 off 34 balls at a strike rate below 100, it marked his first significant contribution in the tournament, likely boosting his confidence. Since Andries Gous joined the Avengers, he has impressed with his explosive batting, and the team will once again look to him for a strong start at the top of the order. The Avengers also have a wealth of bowling options to utilize effectively.

On the other hand, the Gurkhas have been the weakest batting side in the competition so far. Their batters have struggled throughout, with no player managing to score 100 runs in total across five matches. They have crossed the 120-run mark only once. Their last win, against the Lumbini Lions, was largely due to their bowlers, who successfully defended a modest total of 103 runs. Karan KC was the Player of the Match for his game-changing spell of 4/16.

To keep their playoff hopes alive, the Gurkhas need their batters to step up and set a solid foundation in this crucial match. Their bowling unit, however, remains reliable, with four bowlers already having claimed at least five wickets in the tournament.

Probable Playing XI(Kathmandu Gurkhas)

Stephen Eskinazi †

Michael Levitt 

Bhim Sharki 

Sumit Maharjan 

Gerhard Erasmus

Dan Douthwaite 

Pratik Shrestha

Rashid Khan 

Karan KC (c)

Shahab Alam 

Dipesh Kandel