The Janakpur Bolts will take on the Karnali Yaks in the third match of the Nepal Premier League 2024. With a resounding victory in their opening game, the Bolts will aim to continue their strong start and build momentum. Meanwhile, this will be the Yaks’ first game of the tournament, and they’ll be keen to start their campaign on a winning note.
Teams Preview
Janakpur Bolts Preview
Led by Anil Kumar Sah, the Janakpur Bolts made a statement with their dominant 8-wicket win over the Biratnagar Kings in their opening game. The team’s top-order batsmen and new-ball bowlers excelled, putting them in a strong position. Sah will look to replicate their all-round performance in this match to strengthen their position in the tournament.
Batting Lineup:
- Lahiru Milantha was the star in the last game with an explosive 75 off 53 balls and will be a key player at the top of the order.
- Captain Anil Kumar Sah and opener Aasif Sheikh will aim for stronger starts after modest performances in the previous game.
- The middle order, comprising Harsh Thaker, Lalit Rajbanshi, and Mohammad Mohsin, adds depth to their batting.
Bowling Attack:
- Kishore Mahato and Lalit Rajbanshi were outstanding with the ball, picking up crucial wickets in the last game.
- All-rounders Ben Mike and Mohammad Mohsin bring control and variety to the attack.
- Tul Thapa and Harsh Thaker will play supporting roles in containing the opposition’s scoring.
Key Players: Lahiru Milantha, Lalit Rajbanshi, Kishore Mahato
Predicted Playing XI:
Anil Kumar Sah (c), Aasif Sheikh, Lahiru Milantha (wk), Harsh Thaker, Lalit Rajbanshi, Mohammad Mohsin, Shubh Kansakar, Tul Thapa, Kishore Mahato, Arniko Yadav, Ben Mike
Karnali Yaks Preview
The Karnali Yaks, under the leadership of Sompal Kami, enter the tournament with a formidable batting lineup but will need their bowlers to rise to the occasion. Facing a confident Janakpur Bolts team in their first game is no easy task, but the Yaks have enough firepower in their squad to pose a challenge.
Batting Lineup:
- The experienced duo of Shikhar Dhawan and Paul Stirling will be crucial at the top of the order, setting the foundation for a strong total.
- Middle-order batsmen Babar Hayat, Chadwick Walton, and Gulshan Jha add solidity and firepower to the lineup.
- Captain Sompal Kami and all-rounder Zeeshan Maqsood will play vital roles in finishing the innings.
Bowling Attack:
- Sompal Kami and Nandan Yadav will lead the charge with the new ball, aiming for early breakthroughs.
- Spinners Zeeshan Maqsood and Bhuvan Karki will look to exploit the turn-friendly conditions in Kirtipur.
- Dipendra Rawat and Rit Gautam will provide additional bowling options to keep the opposition in check.
Key Players: Shikhar Dhawan, Paul Stirling, Sompal Kami
Predicted Playing XI:
Sompal Kami (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Babar Hayat, Zeeshan Maqsood, Gulshan Jha, Chadwick Walton (wk), Nandan Yadav, Bhuvan Karki, Paul Stirling, Rit Gautam, Dipendra Rawat
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Pitch Report
The Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur offers a batting-friendly surface with a fast outfield. The wicket favors aggressive stroke play, and batsmen will enjoy hitting through the line. Spinners are likely to come into play as the game progresses, but fast bowlers may struggle for assistance.
Average First-Innings Score: 170 runs
Target Score: Teams batting first should aim for 190+ to put pressure on the opposition.
Weather Conditions
The weather in Kirtipur is expected to be clear, with no chance of rain. Perfect conditions for cricket are expected, making it an ideal day for a high-scoring contest.
Toss Prediction:
The team winning the toss will likely bowl first, as the pitch tends to get better for batting in the second innings.
Winning Prediction
The Janakpur Bolts are riding high on confidence after a comprehensive win in their first game. Their batting and bowling units are firing in unison, making them tough to beat. The Karnali Yaks, on the other hand, boast a powerful batting lineup but lack a dependable bowling attack, which could be their Achilles’ heel.
Prediction: The Janakpur Bolts are favorites to secure their second win
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