Kathmandu Gorkhas and Sudur Paschim Royals meet in a high-stakes 24th match of the Nepal Premier League 2026, with both sides sitting on eight points and chasing top position. Kathmandu have been the more efficient side so far, while Sudur Paschim arrive with a bowling attack capable of defending even modest totals.
Match details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Kathmandu Gorkhas vs Sudur Paschim Royals, 24th Match |
| League / Season | Nepal Premier League 2026, Season 3 (2026/27) |
| Date | Friday, 13 November 2026 |
| Local time | 12:30 PM NPT |
| IST | 12:15 PM IST |
| Venue | Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, Kathmandu |
| Format | T20 |
The match begins at 12:30 PM local time in Kirtipur, which is 12:15 PM IST. ESPN lists the fixture as the 24th match of Nepal Premier League 2026, played at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground.
Kirtipur has offered a balanced surface in this tournament, but the afternoon slot has generally produced enough runs for batters to play positively. Karnali made 180 for 6 against Kathmandu on 2 November, while Sudur Paschim posted 176 for 6 against Karnali on 6 November; however, Kathmandu were also bowled out for 115 in this slot earlier in the season.
The pitch should offer some early movement for seamers, with spinners becoming more influential as the surface slows. A total around 160 to 180 is likely to be competitive, and the captain winning the toss may prefer to bowl first because chasing has been a sensible option in recent matches.
Conditions in Kathmandu are expected to be partly cloudy and dry, with the temperature around 20 degrees Celsius at the start and cooling slightly during the game. Rain is not expected to interrupt play, so both teams should get a full 20-over contest.
Live Streaming Info:
NPL 2026 will be live: KAG vs SPR
Live Score Info:
Cricket lovers can watch the Kathmandu Gorkhas vs Sudur Paschim Royals live score on this website: nplt20league.com.
Why this match matters
This is more than just another league game. Both teams have eight points, and the winner will move to 10 points and take top spot on the table, putting serious pressure on the teams below them in the playoff race.
Kathmandu have played one fewer match than Sudur Paschim, which gives them a slight scheduling advantage. But Sudur Paschim have already shown they can win tight, low-scoring matches, and a win here would strengthen their case as one of the most complete sides in the tournament.
Current form
Kathmandu Gorkhas have won four of their five matches and carry an excellent net run rate of +1.168. Their only defeat came against Janakpur Bolts, when they were dismissed for 115, but they have responded strongly with wins over Karnali Yaks, Biratnagar Kings, Lumbini Lions and Chitwan Rhinos.
In their most recent game, Kathmandu scored 180 for 8 and beat Chitwan Rhinos by 10 runs. Rashid Khan made 52 from 30 balls, Sahan Arachchige added 33 from 20, and William Bosisto contributed 27, giving the side a much-needed middle-order boost.
Sudur Paschim Royals have won four of six matches, with a net run rate of +0.082. Their latest victory was particularly impressive: they made only 120 for 9 against Janakpur Bolts, then bowled Janakpur out for 93 to win by 27 runs.
Brandon McMullen scored 33 in that match, while Scott Kuggeleijn took 3 for 13. Dipendra Singh Airee and Harmeet Singh also played important roles with the ball, underlining why Sudur Paschim are dangerous even when their batting does not fully fire.
Key talking points
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David Warner will not play for Kathmandu after returning to Australia, leaving a major hole at the top of the order. He had scored 127 runs in four innings at a strike rate of 141.11 before leaving the tournament.
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Rashid Khan’s finishing ability will be crucial for Kathmandu, especially if the top order loses early wickets.
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Scott Kuggeleijn’s new-ball spell could decide the tone of the match. His 3 for 13 against Janakpur showed how effective he can be on this surface.
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Dipendra Singh Airee remains Sudur Paschim’s most valuable all-rounder, offering experience, power-hitting and useful off-spin.
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Kathmandu’s superior net run rate gives them an edge, but Sudur Paschim’s ability to defend small totals makes them a genuine threat in a low-scoring match.
Head-to-head record
Sudur Paschim Royals lead the NPL head-to-head record 2-0 against Kathmandu Gorkhas. Both previous meetings were played at Kirtipur, and the Royals won each time.
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| 5 December 2024 | Sudur Paschim Royals won by 73 runs |
| 19 November 2025 | Sudur Paschim Royals won by 29 runs |
There have only been two recorded NPL meetings between these teams, so there is no full list of five previous results. In the 2025 match, Sudur Paschim made 147 and bowled Kathmandu out for 118, while Karan KC took 4 for 30 for Kathmandu.
Kathmandu Gorkhas analysis
Kathmandu’s biggest strength is their all-round depth. Rashid Khan can change the game quickly with the bat, while Jahandad Khan has taken seven wickets in five matches, including 4 for 23 against Lumbini Lions. Karan KC also provides leadership, handy runs and useful bowling.
Their weakness is top-order stability, particularly now that Warner is unavailable. Kathmandu were bowled out for 115 against Janakpur in this same time slot, showing that their batting can collapse if the new-ball bowlers strike early.
Probable XI: Sahil Patel (wk), Replacement opener, William Bosisto, Bhim Sharki, Sahan Arachchige, Rashid Khan, Karan KC (c), Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Aadil Alam, Santosh Yadav, Ganesh Gautam
Sudur Paschim Royals analysis
Sudur Paschim’s strength is their bowling variety. Kuggeleijn brings pace and control with the new ball, Anil Kharel offers spin, and Airee gives the captain another dependable option in the middle overs. Their defence of 120 against Janakpur proved that this attack can win matches from difficult positions.
Their concern is inconsistent top-order batting. Saif Zaib and Binod Bhandari have not always provided fast starts, which puts pressure on McMullen, Airee and the middle order to rebuild or accelerate.
Probable XI: Saif Zaib, Binod Bhandari (wk), Brandon McMullen, Dipendra Singh Airee (c), Ishan Pandey, Aarif Sheikh, Tharindu Ratnayake, Scott Kuggeleijn, Anil Kharel, Hemant Dhami, Abinash Bohara
Match prediction
Kathmandu Gorkhas start as narrow favourites because of their better net run rate, stronger recent batting performances and deeper all-round resources. However, Sudur Paschim’s bowling attack is well suited to Kirtipur, and if they bat first, they could make this a tense, low-scoring contest.
Prediction: Kathmandu Gorkhas to win, but only narrowly. Their batting depth and form give them the edge, though Sudur Paschim will believe they can exploit Kathmandu’s vulnerable top order and make the most of a pitch that rewards disciplined bowling.