NPL Kathmandu Gorkhas vs Sudur pachim Royals Match prediction

The Nepal Premier League NPL set for a thrilling showdown as the Kathmandu Gorkhas , riding the high of an opening victory, lock horns with the Sudur pachim Royals , the previous season runners up, in a highly-anticipated Match 4 at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur.

The Kathmandu Gorkhas have already set the tone for their campaign, dispatching the defending champions, Janakpur Bolts, in their tournament opener. This five-wicket win, powered by quick-fire knocks from openers Ben Charlesworth 46 runs off 23 deliveries and a handy three-wicket haul from Milind Kumar, has injected significant confidence into the Gorkhas camp. Captain Karan KC will be looking to maintain this winning rhythm and secure back-to-back points.

On the other hand Sudur paschim Royals are kicking off their season with this match. Finishing as runners-up in the inaugural edition, the Royals have a point to prove. They dominated the group stage last season and have retained a strong core, led by the  Dipendra Singh Airee. The addition of high-profile overseas signings like Australian power-hitters Chris Lynn and Josh Brown has arguably made them the most feared batting unit in the competition. While Binod Bhandari, Harmeet Singh,Aarif Sheikh brings stability in middle order while Dipendra Singh Airee and Scott kuggeleijn provide firepower in down the order with all round ability, Milan Bohara, Abinash Bohra and Naren Saud bring bowling options along with all rounders.

KGM Vs SPR Head to Head Records in NPL

In the first NPL season, the two teams met once, where the Sudur paschim Royals secured a convincing 73-run victory.

Probable playing XIs

Kathmandu Gorkhas

Karan kc (c), Akash Tripathi, Ben Charlesworth, Bhim Sharki, Milind Kumar, John Simpson (wk), Gerhard Erasmus, Mohammad Aadil Alam, Rashid Khan, Santosh Yadav, Sahab Alam

Sudur pachim Royals

Dipendra Singh Airee (c), Binod Bhandari (wk), Chris Lynn, Harmeet Singh, Aarif Sheikh, Scott kuggeleijn, Jos Brown, Abinash Bohra, Naren Saud, Milan Bohra, Ishan Pandey

Players to Watch Out

Milind Kumar

Ben Charlesworth

Gerhard Erasmus

Chris Lynn

Dipendra Singh Airee

Scott kuggeleijn

Match prediction

The Gorkhas have early momentum, but the Royals have more batting power and better overall balance. With Airee, Bhandari, Lynn, and Brown in the side, the Royals have a slight edge.