NPL , Kathmandu Gorkhas vs Lumbini Lions Prediction, Preview, Players to Watch Out, Pitch Report

The Nepal Premier League (NPL) brings another exciting game as the Kathmandu Gorkhas take on the Lumbini Lion at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Kathmandu Gorkhas will look to bounce back after two losses and gain confidence and momentum while Lumbini Lions after tough defeat against Karnali yaks eager to comeback stronger.

The Kathmandu Gorkhas enter in this  match looking to find consistency after starting the tournament with one win and two losses especially with the batting inconsistency continues to hurt them. Their latest loss against the Biratnagar Kings exposed their fragile middle order and their heavy dependence on a few key performers. they must have to setup find ways to build partnerships and avoid frequent collapses during middle overs.

Their biggest strength is their bowling attack, led by captain Karan KC, who has the ability to take key wickets with both the new and old ball. He is supported well  Shahab Alam ,Rashid Khan Gerhard Erasmus and Santosh Yadav, giving the Gorkhas a balanced and reliable bowling unit.

On the other hand Lumbini Lions came in this match with one win and one losses, in previous game lions face though defeat against Karnali Yaks, where  Yaks chase 157 target in 12 overs, Magnificent Century by Mark Watt, and reflect their bowling attack and not able to take wickets.

While batting lineup has been brilliant in to game where Skipper Rohit Paudel leading from the front and top run scorer for team in 2 matches made 88 runs , while Darcy Short, Sundeep Jora and Gulbadin Naib add firepower in team. While their bowling attack lead by Ruben Trumplemann, Gulbadin Naib.

Head to Head Records in NPL

Kathmandu Gorkhas and Lumbini Lions met only once in NPL , a match that Kathmandu Gorkhas won by 18 runs.

Pitch Report 

We have saw in this tournament so far wickets  tends to slow down in the second innings, making stroke play more difficult. Spinners often come into play as the match progresses. However, since this is a day-night fixture, dew might appear in the later stages, making the ball harder to grip and giving an advantage to the team batting second but still captain winning the toss may choose to bat first . Around 160-170 could be competitive total on this surface.

Probable playing XIs

Kathmandu Gorkhas

Aakash Tripathi, Ben Charlesworth, Ricardo Vasconcelos, Pratik Shrestha, Gerhard Erasmus, Santosh Yadav, Mohammad Adil Alam, John Simpson (wk), Rashid Khan, Karan kc(c), Sahab Alam

Lumbini Lions

Sundeep Jora, Darcy Short, Rohit Paudel (c), Dilip Nath (wk), Gulbadin Naib, JJ Smit, Sumit Maharjan Ruben Trumplemann , Sameer Ali Musalman, Sher Malla, Abhishesh Gautam

Player to watch Out 

Karan KC

The Gorkhas leader is also their third top wicket-taker in this tournament . His knack for breaking partnerships at crucial moments makes him vital. Karan ability to bowl effectively with both the new and old ball will be a major factor in restricting the Lions batting lineup.

Ben Charlesworth

The team  highest run-scorer he made 86 runs in 3 innings and a reliable top-order hitter, Charlesworth has the ability to provide quick starts.  he can set the foundation for a competitive total.

Rohit Paudel 

The Lions most consistent run-scorer and highest run getter 88 runs in 2 matches an experienced. Paudel often anchors the innings, anchor the innings during middle overs.

Gulbadin Naib 

The Afghan star adds balance with his aggressive batting and useful medium-pace bowling. his ability to make quick runs and change game very quickly.

Prediction

Lumbini Lions are slightly favored to win, thanks to their experienced and stronger batting depth. However, If Kathmandu Gorkhas middle order clicks then win but we expected it could be close encounter between these two sides.