Lumbini Lions vs Pokhara Avengers – Evening Clash
Kirtipur, Kathmandu — The floodlights illuminate the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur as Match 13 of the Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League (NPL) Season 3 gets underway Tonight · 5:00 PM NPT, featuring undefeated defending champions Lumbini Lions against the Pokhara Avengers.
Approaching the tournament’s midpoint, tonight’s fixture presents contrasting dynamics: Lumbini Lions are targeting a victory to move clear atop the points table, while Pokhara Avengers fight to stay in playoff contention as they seek their first points of Season 3.
- Fixture: Lumbini Lions vs Pokhara Avengers (Match 13, NPL 2026)
- Kickoff Time: Tonight · 5:00 PM NPT
- Venue: Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur
- Captains: Rohit Kumar Paudel (Lumbini Lions) vs Kushal Bhurtel (Pokhara Avengers)
- Key Stars: D’Arcy Short, Aasif Sheikh, Kishore Mahato vs Shakib Al Hasan, Chamika Karunaratne
Unbeaten Lumbini Lions Return With Dominant Net Run Rate (+4.599)
Captained by Nepal national team skipper Rohit Kumar Paudel, the Lumbini Lions return to competitive action after their weekend match against Chitwan Rhinos was rained off. In their sole completed fixture, Lumbini dismantled Sudurpaschim Royals, bowling them out for 87 before D’Arcy Short (40 off 18) and Aasif Sheikh (32 off 25) chased the target in just 9.5 overs.
Holding three points with an exceptional Net Run Rate of +4.599, a win tonight would lift Lumbini to five points and first place on the standings.
Pokhara Avengers Aim for First Win Behind Shakib and Bhurtel
For Kushal Bhurtel’s Pokhara Avengers, tonight represents a critical test. After falling to Sudurpaschim Royals in their opener, Pokhara narrowly missed out against Janakpur Bolts on Sunday night—restricting Janakpur to 147/7 behind Shakib Al Hasan’s three for 15 before falling nine runs short at 138/9.
To overcome the defending champions tonight, Pokhara will rely on contributions from top-order aggressor Kushal Bhurtel, all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, and Sri Lankan seamer Chamika Karunaratne.
Decisive Matchups Under the Kirtipur Lights
- D’Arcy Short & Aasif Sheikh vs Shakib Al Hasan: Can Pokhara’s spin spearhead disrupt Lumbini’s high-octane opening pair in the powerplay?
- Kushal Bhurtel vs Kishore Mahato & Sher Malla: Pokhara’s captain faces the fast bowling and spin duo that proved unplayable on opening night.
- Table Implications: A Lumbini win secures top spot, while a Pokhara triumph revitalizes their Season 3 campaign.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What time does Lumbini Lions vs Pokhara Avengers start tonight?
The match begins Tonight · 5:00 PM NPT at TU Ground in Kirtipur, Kathmandu.
How can fans watch the match live?
The match is broadcast live on television on Action Sports HD in Nepal and streamed online via CAN digital streaming channels.
Did Shakib Al Hasan play in Pokhara’s last match?
Yes, Shakib took 3 wickets for 15 runs in his four-over spell against Janakpur Bolts.
What is Lumbini Lions’ Net Run Rate?
Lumbini Lions possess a league-best Net Run Rate of +4.599 following their 9.5-over chase against Sudurpaschim.
