Lumbini Lions opt to field first against Biratnagar Kings
Biratnagar’s foreign lineup features South African pacer Marchant de Lange, Scotland’s George Munsey, and Australia’s Sam Heazlett.
KATHMANDU: Lumbini Lions have chosen to bowl first in Wednesday’s Nepal Premier League (NPL) match after captain Rohit Paudel won the toss at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, inviting Biratnagar Kings to bat.
South African star Faf du Plessis is making his NPL debut today.
He arrived in Nepal on Monday after completing the Abu Dhabi T10 League. However, New Zealand’s Martin Guptill will miss his third consecutive match due to injury.
Biratnagar’s foreign lineup features South African pacer Marchant de Lange, Scotland’s George Munsey, and Australia’s Sam Heazlett.
Sri Lanka’s Sehan Jayasuriya, who had arrived to play his first match, was injured during Friday’s practice.
Lumbini recently added Sri Lankan wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella to the squad.
The team also includes DRC Short and Ruben Trumpelmann. With Gulbadin Naib heading to the ILT20, Lumbini have replaced him with JJ Smit.
Biratnagar will secure a stronger hold on Qualifier 1 if they win today, having already sealed a playoff berth with four victories in their first five matches.
Their only defeat came against Chitwan Rhinos by 48 runs. They bounced back in their previous game, beating Karnali Yaks by three wickets.
Lumbini, however, are under pressure to win.
With two wins and three losses from five matches, the Lions must defeat both Biratnagar Kings today and Janakpur Bolts in their final group match to stay alive in the playoff race.
