The Nepal Premier League (NPL) enters its fourth day with a match between Kathmandu Gurkhas and Karnali Yaks. Both teams will clash on Wednesday at 9:15 AM at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
Key Players Under Spotlight
Two of Nepal’s leading medium-pace bowlers, Karan KC and Sompal Kami, are central figures in their respective teams. Known for their skill with the new ball and their ability to contribute with the bat, both players are eager to lead their sides to their first victory in the tournament.
- Karan KC, the captain of Kathmandu Gurkhas, is known for his explosive hitting in the death overs.
- Sompal Kami, captain of Karnali Yaks, is a versatile batsman who can adapt to any position in the lineup.
First Match Performances
Both teams endured disappointing starts to their campaigns:
- Kathmandu Gurkhas lost to Chitwan Rhinos by 5 wickets in their opening match, with Karan KC failing to impress with either bat or ball.
- Karnali Yaks, despite high expectations and the presence of Indian star batter Shikhar Dhawan, suffered a heavy 8-wicket defeat to Janakpur Royals.
Team Dynamics and Expectations
Kathmandu Gurkhas
As the team representing Nepal’s capital, the Gurkhas carry the weight of local support and expectations. Their squad includes experienced Nepali players like Bhim Sharki, Shahab Alam, and promising young spinner Dipesh Kandel.
They also feature a strong lineup of international players:
- Michael Levitt (Netherlands)
- Stephen Eskinazi (England)
- Dan Douthwaite and Nathan Sowter are experienced all-rounders from English county cricket.
The team’s opening pair struggled in the first match, with Levitt and Eskinazi dismissed cheaply. The team will look to improve their batting depth and capitalize on their spin attack, led by Shahab Alam and Dipesh Kandel.
Karnali Yaks
Karnali Yaks boasts a balanced squad of Nepali and international players. National stars like Gulshan Jha, Dev Khanal, and spinners Bhuvan Karki and Mousom Dhakal add depth to the team. Karnali also features:
- Shikhar Dhawan, the Indian batting legend
- Babar Hayat (former Hong Kong captain)
- Jatinder Singh (Oman)
- Chadwick Walton (West Indies), a seasoned T20 player
In their first match, Karnali’s performance fell short of expectations, but Arjun Gharti stood out by scoring 22 runs in a single over against Canadian bowler Harsh Thaker.
Key Contest
This game pits two sides desperate for their first win in the tournament. Both teams have strong spinners, with Karnali featuring Bhuvan Karki, Mousom Dhakal, and Dipendra Rawat, and Kathmandu relying on Shahab Alam, Dipesh Kandel, and Gerhard Erasmus.
Karnali’s batting lineup, led by Dhawan, will face a stiff challenge from Kathmandu’s bowling attack, while Kathmandu must strengthen their batting after struggling in their first match.
Match Details
- Match: Kathmandu Gurkhas vs Karnali Yaks
- Date & Time: December 4, 9:15 AM
- Venue: TU International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur
Probable Playing XIs
Kathmandu Gurkhas:
Michael Levitt, Stephen Eskinazi, Sumit Maharjan, Gerhard Erasmus, Bhim Sharki, Shankar Rana, Dan Douthwaite, Karan KC, Rashid Khan, Shahab Alam, Dipesh Kandel
Karnali Yaks:
Shikhar Dhawan, Dev Khanal, Rit Gautam, Babar Hayat, Jatinder Singh, Arjun Gharti, Gulshan Jha, Sompal Kami, Bhuvan Karki, Dipendra Rawat, Nandan Yadav
