Two matches will be played on Monday in the ongoing second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) cricket tournament in Kathmandu.
The first match will begin at 11:45 AM between defending champions Janakpur Bolts and Biratnagar Kings. The second match is scheduled for 4 PM between last season’s runners-up Sudurpashchim Royals and Karnali Yaks.
Biratnagar and Sudurpashchim aim to continue their unbeaten run. Janakpur, led by Anil Sah, lost their opening match to Kathmandu Gorkhas by 5 wickets. To remain in title contention, they must stage a comeback against Biratnagar.
Biratnagar, captained by Sandeep Lamichhane, targets a third consecutive victory. They have already defeated Pokhara Avengers in their first match and Kathmandu in their second. In last season’s opening fixture, Janakpur defeated Biratnagar by 8 wickets, making today’s clash a chance for Biratnagar to settle the score.
In the second match, Sudurpashchim Royals, under the captaincy of Dipendra Singh Airee, will face Sompal Kami-led Karnali. Despite an excellent performance last season, Sudurpashchim were stunned in the final and are aiming for the title this time.
Karnali, who began the season with a loss to Chitwan Rhinos, made a strong comeback on Saturday by defeating Lumbini Lions. Mark Watt’s explosive century led Karnali to a dominant 9-wicket victory.
Karnali, who reached the playoffs last season on net run rate, now aims for a smoother campaign. Last season, Sudurpashchim had defeated Karnali by 6 wickets; Karnali will look to avoid a repeat of that result today.
The tournament, organized by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), began on Mangsir 1 and will continue until Mangsir 27.
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