Two matches are scheduled in the Nepal Premier League on Tuesday, with Janakpur Bolts taking on Biratnagar Kings in the first game, followed by a clash between Lumbini Lions and Pokhara Avengers.
Both Janakpur and Lumbini have a chance to move to the top of the standings.
Janakpur will claim the top spot with a win over Biratnagar at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. They have won two of their three matches so far. Biratnagar, meanwhile, have won one and lost two.
Should Janakpur fail to beat Biratnagar, Lumbini will have a chance to move to the top in the second match. Lumbini have three points from two matches. If Janakpur lose and Lumbini win, the latter will move to five points, overtaking both Karnali Yaks and Janakpur.
Biratnagar, too, could reach the top of the standings. They would need to beat Janakpur and hope that Pokhara defeat Lumbini. Pokhara have lost both their matches so far.
Tuesday’s first match will be the final NPL appearance this season for West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell, who plays for Biratnagar, and Janakpur’s Moeen Ali. Both are leaving for the UAE to take part in the Abu Dhabi T10 tournament.
Russell and Moeen will play for the same team, the Arabian Aces, with Moeen as captain.
Janakpur have already announced Ryan Burl as Moeen’s replacement in the squad.
Binod Pandey is a sports reporter for the Kantipur Publications.
