Biratnagar Kings vs Lumbini Lions match prediction : Biratnagar Kings (BIK) get the nod at 53%, with Lumbini Lions (LUL) on 47%. The reasons are simple. BIK have won three of their last five and Sandeep Lamichhane has just taken 6/27, while Lumbini lean heavily on D’Arcy Short at the top. This preview covers the pitch, weather, head-to-head record, squads and playing XI questions, fantasy cricket tips and our full picks for the 26th NPL game.
Biratnagar Kings vs Lumbini Lions | 26th Match | Nepal Premier League
BDT 4:45 PM / PKT 3:45 PM / INR 4:15 PM
Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur
Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur
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We expect Biratnagar Kings to win the toss and bat first. That is a slightly brave call, because both Kirtipur games on November 12 ended in chases, of 133 and 106. No dew or pitch information was supplied, so this is a read on form and intent, not conditions. If dew does arrive, Lumbini would happily bowl second.
No official pitch report was available when this was written, so here is what the ground has already shown. On November 12 Pokhara made 132 and Karnali 105, and both totals were chased down, Lumbini with 20 balls to spare. Bowlers clearly had a say. Check the pitch report at the toss before locking in your fantasy picks.
No temperature or dew figures were supplied for this fixture, and we would rather say so than guess. Dew is the thing to watch in this weather report: if it shows up, the ball comes onto the bat and chasing gets easier, which is the main threat to a bat-first plan. Look for an update closer to the start.
Sandeep Lamichhane leads the side as captain and comes in as the form player in this team preview. His 6/27 against Pokhara on November 12 won him Player of the Match and set up a four-wicket win with four balls to spare. A captain who also takes wickets is a gift, and a headache for any Lumbini batter who panics.
Lokesh Bam is the listed key batter, and Basir Ahamad is our pick to top-score and hit the most sixes. Charith Asalanka, Imran Sheikh and Shehan Jayasuriya add depth. The chase of 133 was not smooth, though: BIK lost six wickets reaching 136. We still project 160+.
Angelo Mathews is the key all-rounder and the steadying hand when a chase wobbles. Isuru Udana, Rupesh Singh, Pratis GC and Aprajit Poudel complete the group, with Lamichhane leading the attack and the rest working around him.
Imran Sheikh, Lokesh Bam, Charith Asalanka, Basir Ahamad, Angelo Mathews, Pratis GC, Shehan Jayasuriya, Isuru Udana, Rupesh Singh, Sandeep Lamichhane, Aprajit Poudel
Rohit Paudel captains the side and is also the listed key bowler, so he carries the tactical load with the ball as well. Lumbini bowled Karnali out for 105 on November 12 and won by four wickets with 20 balls left. That is a clean result, and he will want to repeat it.
D’Arcy Short is the engine of the batting. He was Player of the Match against Karnali with 46 off 34 balls, and we have him as top scorer and most sixes again. Aasif Sheikh, Niroshan Dickwella and Sundeep Jora sit around him. That chase also lost six wickets, so depth is a fair question.
Shamim Hossain is the key all-rounder, and Short chipped in with 2/13 as well. Ruben Trumpelmann is our pick as the top wicket-taker. Sher Malla, Kishor Mahato, Abhishesh Gautam and Dilip Nath fill out an attack that has looked sharp, though not yet tested by a side as settled as BIK.
D’Arcy Short, Aasif Sheikh, Rohit Paudel, Sundeep Jora, Niroshan Dickwella, Dilip Nath, Shamim Hossain, Ruben Trumpelmann, Abhishesh Gautam, Sher Malla, Kishor Mahato
Our final call is Biratnagar Kings at 53%, with Lumbini Lions on 47%, mainly because Lamichhane is in form and Basir Ahamad is our pick to drive a 160+ total. It is close, and Short can wreck any plan on his day, so nothing here is safe. Who takes it, the in-form bowler or the opener who just won a game? Follow JeetBuzz for more updates, stats and analysis before every NPL match.
Q: What time does BIK vs LUL start in India?
A: The match starts at 4:15 PM IST on November 14, 2026.
Q: Where is the 26th match being played?
A: The match is available to stream live on Sports Live Hub (SLH).
Q: Who was Player of the Match in each team’s last game?
A: Sandeep Lamichhane won it for Biratnagar Kings and D’Arcy Short won it for Lumbini Lions.
Disclaimer: This cricket prediction reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. We encourage readers to review the points shared and draw their own conclusions.
