The Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2025 witnessed its second major clash as the Chitwan Rhinos locked horns with the Karnali Yaks at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground. In a crucial start to the contest, Rhinos captain Kushal Malla won the toss and opted to field first, setting the stage for his star-studded bowling attack to make an early impact.
The playing XIs released at the toss reveal a battle of high-profile international and domestic talent, promising an electrifying T20 contest.
Chitwan Rhinos: A Power-Packed Lineup
The Rhinos, led by the dynamic Malla, have assembled a formidable squad focused on all-round strength. Their playing XI features a strong mix of Nepalese prospects and seasoned international stars:
- Kushal Malla (c)
- Dawid Malan (England)
- Dev Khanal
- Arjun Saud (wk)
- Deepak Bohara
- Bipin Acharya
- Kamal Singh Airee
- Rijan Dhakal
- Ravi Bopara (England)
- Saif Zaib
- Sohail Tanvir (Pakistan)
The team’s decision to bowl first indicates confidence in their pace attack, which is spearheaded by the experience of Pakistani fast-bowler Sohail Tanvir and Nepal international Kamal Singh Airee. The batting lineup is bolstered by English veterans Dawid Malan and Ravi Bopara, who will provide crucial stability alongside the explosive potential of Malla and young gun Dev Khanal.
Karnali Yaks: Led by Sompal Kami
The Karnali Yaks, under the leadership of Nepal’s pace spearhead Sompal Kami, boast a well-balanced side capable of posting a big total or defending a small one.
- Sompal Kami (c)
- Priyank Panchal
- Najibullah Zadran (Afghanistan)
- Unish Thakur
- Arjun Gharti
- Yuvraj Khatri
- Gulshan Jha
- Mark Watt (Scotland)
- Max O’Dowd (Netherlands)
- Pawan Sarraf
- Nandan Yadav
The Yaks’ batting relies heavily on the opening combination, including the in-form Max O’Dowd, and the middle-order firepower of Afghanistan’s Najibullah Zadran. The bowling unit is anchored by the captain Sompal Kami and Scottish spinner Mark Watt, who will be key in exploiting the dry conditions. The inclusion of young talents like Gulshan Jha also adds depth to their all-round capabilities.
With the toss in the Rhinos’ favour and a deep batting line-up on both sides, this Match 2 of the NPL 2025 is poised to be an enthralling early-season showdown.
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