The second match of the NPL 2025 Chitwan Rhinos lock horns Karnali yaks at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kritipur, both teams will look to start their campaigns in full of confidence with win.
The Rhinos strategy this season revolves around a powerful core of experienced campigners Skipper and explosive all-rounder Kushal Malla leads a side banking on the batting brilliance of Ravi Bopara, who was the leading run-scorer for the franchise last year, and the quality of England Dawid Malan and Dev Khanal at the top.
Their bowling attack is arguably their strongest suit, spearheaded by the pace and experience of Pakistan Sohail Tanvir top wicket-taker last season) and the promising spin variations of Alpesh Ramjani and Raijan Dhakal. The key challenge for the Rhinos will be maximizing their output in the middle overs, a phase where they were sometimes vulnerable last year.
On the other hand Under the leadership of veteran Sompal Kami, the Karnali Yaks have consistently shown tactical adaptability. Despite being without star foreign players from last year like Shikhar Dhawan, the Yaks have strengthened their top order with the additions of Dutch opener Max O’Dowd and India Priyank Panchal, providing a solid opening foundation.
The middle order is anchored by retained Australian all-rounder William Bosisto, who was the only Yaks batter to score multiple fifties last season. Kami himself, alongside young all-rounder Gulshan Jha, provides critical depth in both batting and bowling. Their primary goal will be to utilize their proven top-order strength to post a substantial total. While bowling lead by sompal kami, Bipin Sharma and Nandan yadav.
Chitwan Rhinos vs Karnali yaks Head to Head Records in NPL
Total matches played: 2
Karnali yaks: 2
Chitwan Rhinos: 0
No match Results: 0
Pitch Report
The TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur is expected to offer a sporting wicket. While the early phase of the tournament tends to favor the batsmen, the average first-innings score of around 150 suggests bowlers, with new ball might pacers get as the game progresses spinners comes into play.
Probable playing XIs
Chitwan Rhinos
Kushal Malla (c), Dawid Malan, Dev khanal , Ravi Bhopara, Arjun Saud (wk), Aplesh Ramjani, Bipin Acharya , Ranjit Kumar, Raijan Dhakal, Sohail Tanvir ,Gautam Kc
Chitwan Rhinos
Max O, Dowd, Priyank Panchal, William Bosisto , Gulshan Jha, Pawan Sarraf, Deepak Dhumre (wk), Yuvraj Khatri , Sompal Kami (c), Nandan Yadav, Bipin Sharma, Dipendra Rawat
Players to Watch Out
Dawid Malan
Sohail Tanvir
Kushal Malla
William Bosisto
Gulshan Jha
Bipin Sharma
Match Prediction
Chitwan Rhinos are slightly favourites ,Their experienced international core, led by Kushal Malla and supported by Ravi Bopara and Dawid Malan, gives them the firepower to control key moments. Karnali Yaks, however, remain a disciplined and well-balanced side, strengthened by Max O’Dowd and Sompal Kami’s leadership. While the Yaks can certainly challenge, Chitwan’s stronger finishing ability and bowling depth give them a narrow edge in this clash.
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