With 15 matches completed in the ongoing Nepal Premier League (NPL) cricket tournament in Kathmandu, the competition has reached a critical phase. As of the break day on Monday, Pokhara Avengers and Kathmandu Gurkhas have played three matches each, while the other six teams have played four games apiece.
Currently, Janakpur Bolts remain undefeated, sitting comfortably at the top of the table with 8 points from four matches. At the other end, Lumbini Lions have yet to register a win and are at the bottom of the standings with no points.
Sudurpaschim Royals and Chitwan Rhinos share similar fortunes, each with 6 points from four matches, but Sudurpaschim edges ahead on net run rate, holding the second position. Karnali Yaks are in fourth place with 4 points from two wins in four games.
Pokhara Avengers, with 2 points from three matches, occupy the fifth position. Kathmandu Gurkhas follow in sixth place, and Biratnagar Kings, with a single win from four matches, are seventh.
With Janakpur’s playoff berth nearly certain, the competition intensifies for the remaining three spots. Here’s a mid-tournament breakdown of each team’s standing, performance, and playoff prospects:
Janakpur Bolts
Performance: Janakpur is the only unbeaten team in the league, displaying consistent all-round performances. Their most recent match, a nail-biting 1-run victory over Lumbini, showcased their resilience. Top-order batters, a solid middle-order, and a strong bowling attack led by Kishor Mahato, Lalit Rajbanshi, and Mohammad Mohsin have been instrumental in their success. Lahiru Milantha, Hersh Thakar, and Jimmy Neesham have stood out in key moments.
Remaining Matches: Sudurpaschim Royals, Kathmandu Gurkhas, Chitwan Rhinos
Playoff Probability: 95%
Sudurpaschim Royals
Performance: After winning their first three matches convincingly, Sudurpaschim suffered their first defeat against Chitwan by 33 runs. They have dominated weaker teams like Biratnagar and Kathmandu, with Brandon McMullen and Saif Ali Zaib excelling as all-rounders. Skipper Dipendra Singh Airee has also played pivotal innings, while bowlers Avinash Bohara and Naren Saud have delivered breakthroughs.
Remaining Matches: Janakpur Bolts, Pokhara Avengers, Karnali Yaks
Playoff Probability: 80%
Chitwan Rhinos
Performance: Chitwan shares Sudurpaschim’s point tally but lags slightly in net run rate. Their bowlers, including left-arm pacers Sohail Tanvir and Rijun Dhakal, have delivered consistently. Ravi Bopara has anchored their innings with vital contributions, and Hasan Eisakhil’s return to form with a half-century has been a boost.
Remaining Matches: Lumbini Lions, Biratnagar Kings, Janakpur Bolts
Playoff Probability: 80%
Karnali Yaks
Performance: Despite a slow start with losses against Janakpur and Kathmandu, Karnali has bounced back with two consecutive wins. The team’s batting has been inconsistent, with star batter Shikhar Dhawan unavailable for the remainder of the tournament. Captain Sompal Kami and Nandan Yadav have had mixed results in pace bowling, while Bipin Prasad Sharma and Zeeshan have shown promise in spin.
Remaining Matches: Pokhara Avengers, Lumbini Lions, Sudurpaschim Royals
Playoff Probability: 60%
Pokhara Avengers
Performance: Pokhara’s campaign started poorly with two defeats, including a humiliating collapse against Chitwan. However, they bounced back with a remarkable 10-wicket win over Lumbini, powered by Andres Gous’s century. Their middle order remains shaky, and bowlers such as Bipin Khatri and Akash Chand have been inconsistent.
Remaining Matches: Karnali Yaks, Biratnagar Kings, Kathmandu Gurkhas, Sudurpaschim Royals
Playoff Probability: 60%
Kathmandu Gurkhas
Performance: Kathmandu’s journey has been turbulent, with a single win in three matches. Their top-order batting has struggled to convert starts into significant scores, with overseas players like Stephen Eskinazi and Michael Levitt yet to deliver. Bowlers Karan KC and Rashid Khan have shown potential but lack consistent support.
Remaining Matches: Lumbini Lions, Janakpur Bolts, Pokhara Avengers, Biratnagar Kings
Playoff Probability: 50%
Biratnagar Kings
Performance: With only one win from four matches, Biratnagar’s chances of reaching the playoffs are slim. Lokesh Bam and Basir Ahmed starred in their lone victory, but their batting lineup has been inconsistent. Bowlers like captain Sandeep Lamichhane have struggled to provide regular breakthroughs, and the team’s net run rate is concerning.
Remaining Matches: Pokhara Avengers, Chitwan Rhinos, Kathmandu Gurkhas
Playoff Probability: 25%
Lumbini Lions
Performance: Despite a star-studded lineup, Lumbini remains winless. They’ve come close in two matches, including a 1-run loss to Janakpur, but have failed to close games. Ben Cutting, Sandeep Jora, and Rohit Paudel have underperformed, while bowlers like Zafar and captain Rohit have been the rare bright spots.
Remaining Matches: Chitwan Rhinos, Kathmandu Gurkhas, Karnali Yaks
Playoff Probability: 5%
What’s Next?
With 13 league matches remaining, every game becomes crucial in determining playoff spots. Tuesday’s double-header features Lumbini Lions vs. Chitwan Rhinos and Karnali Yaks vs. Pokhara Avengers. A loss for Lumbini could eliminate them from playoff contention, while a win for Karnali or Pokhara could shake up the mid-table dynamics.
As the league enters its final stages, the fight for playoff berths promises to deliver thrilling cricket. Will the top teams secure their spots, or can the underdogs make a surprising comeback? Stay tuned to find out!
