Karnali Yaks vs Kathmandu Gurkhas, NPL, Today Match Prediction 04 December 2024

KNY vs KMG Match Prediction & Analysis

The Nepal Premier League action continues as Karnali Yaks take on Kathmandu Gurkhas at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground on Wednesday. After stumbling in their opening games, both sides are hungry for their first victory of the season. With skilled players in both camps and everything to play for, this match should deliver some exciting cricket.

RECENT PERFORMANCE

KNY

L

JKB

142/2 in 15.1 9.36

NPL

Janakpur Bolts beat Karnali Yaks by 8 wickets 02 Dec 2024

KNY

141/7 in 20.0 7.05

KMG

L

KMG

111/9 in 20.0 5.55

NPL

Chitwan Rhinos beat Kathmandu Gurkhas by 5 wickets 02 Dec 2024

CR

114/5 in 17.1 6.64

HEAD TO HEAD

TEAMS PREVIEW

Karnali Yaks Preview

Karnali Yaks had a rough start to their season with an 8-wicket defeat against Janakpur Bolts. Batting first at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, the Yaks managed 141-7 on the board. That didn’t prove to be enough as the Bolts coasted home with almost five overs remaining. 

For the Yaks, none of the main batters got going in the previous match. They were 79-6 at one stage before cameos from Gulsan Jha (36 off 27) and Arjun Gharti (33 off 22) got them to a respectable total. 

Karnali’s top and middle order consists of quality batters like Shikhar Dhawan, Chadwick Walton, and Babar Hayat and the team would be expecting some solid runs from them. Hayat is someone who can turn the game on its head and has been in decent form this year.

Their bowling looks a little weak. Nandan Yadav, Sompal Kami, and Mousom Dhakal will have to do a lot better. Expect some tight overs from Bhuvan Karki and Zeeshan Maqsood.

Karnali Yaks Predicted Playing XI:

Dev Khanal, Shikhar Dhawan, Chadwick Walton (wk), Arjun Gharti, Babar Hayat, Sompal Kami (c), Gulshan Jha, Zeeshan Maqsood, Mousom Dhakal, Bhuvan Karki, Nandan Yadav

Karnali Yaks Actual Playing XI:

Babar Hayat, Dev Khanal, Shikhar Dhawan, Bipin Prasad Sharma, Gulsan Jha, Zeeshan Maqsood, Arjun Ghatri, Chadwick Walton, Bhuvan Karki, Nandan Yadav, Sompal Kami

Kathmandu Gurkhas Preview

The Kathmandu Gurkhas got their season off to a shaky start with a 5-wicket loss to the Chitwan Rhinos. After being put in to bat first, the Gurkhas could only manage a modest total of 111-9. The Rhinos comfortably chased down the target with 17 balls remaining.

It was a poor batting performance by the Gurkhas where no player could go beyond the score of 30. 

The team will rely on Stephen Eskinazi and Michael Levitt to provide a solid start in the next game. Sumit Maharjan, who top-scored with 29 in the previous game, is another batter to watch out for.

Gerhard Erasmus and Bhim Sharki can also make some handy contributions in the middle order. Sharki, who has been consistently good for the Nepal national team over the past year, has the ability to play match-winning innings with his big-hitting skills.

On the bowling front, the Gurkhas appear to be better equipped, with Karan KC, Shahab Alam, Gerhard Erasmus, and Dan Douthwaite forming a solid attack. Karan KC, familiar with the local conditions, will be key to making early breakthroughs with the new ball.

Kathmandu Gurkhas Predicted Playing XI:

Bhim Sharki, Stephen Eskinazi (wk), Sumit Maharjan, Gerhard Erasmus, Bhim Sharki, Shankar Rana, Rashid Khan, Dan Douthwaite, Karan KC (c), Shahab Alam, Dipesh Kandel

Kathmandu Gurkhas Actual Playing XI:

Bhim Sharki, Michael Levitt, Shankar Rana, Sumit Maharjan, Dipesh Kandel, Gerhard Erasmus, Karan KC, Stephen Eskinazi, Nathan Sowter, Rashid Khan, Shahab Alam

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground offers a balanced surface with something in it for both batters and bowlers. The ball will move around a bit in the first couple of overs after which batters can play shots a little freely. However, once the surface slows down a little, spinners will come into play. The pitch does offer slow turn and bounce and tackling the spinners in the middle overs will be key for both sides.

The forecast for Kirtipur is looking good, with plenty of sunshine and pleasant conditions expected. There's no chance of rain, which should make for a comfortable and enjoyable match.

KNY vs KMG Pitch Report

The average score batting first at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground is 154. The highest total recorded in the Nepal Premier League at this venue so far came during a chase, with the Janakpur Bolts putting up 142-2 in just 15.1 overs against the Karnali Yaks. In the game, the team batting first will likely aim for a target in the region of 140 runs to stay competitive.

Toss: To Bowl

All three matches played at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Gro in the tournament so far have been won by the chasing side. So it’s almost certain that the toss-winning captain will choose to bowl first.