Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The league stage of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) Season 3 concludes on Sunday with two matches at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. Chitwan Rhinos take on Karnali Yaks at 12:30 p.m., while Kathmandu Gorkhas meet Pokhara Avengers at 5 p.m.
With all four playoff spots already decided, Sunday’s fixtures will determine the final positions of the qualifying teams and the playoff matchups. Defending champions Lumbini Lions have secured the top spot with 11 points, while Sudurpaschim Royals are second with 10. Similarly, Kathmandu Gorkhas are third with eight points, while Chitwan Rhinos occupy the final playoff spot with seven points.
Chitwan Rhinos vs Karnali Yaks
Chitwan have already secured a playoff berth and are fourth with seven points from six matches. They will look to finish the league stage strongly and improve their position before the knockouts. If Kathmandu suffer defeat against Pokhara in the second match of the day, Chitwan will secure the third spot with the win against the Yaks.
The Rhinos bounced back from defeats to Sudurpaschim Royals and Kathmandu Gorkhas with a four-wicket victory over Janakpur Bolts in their previous outing to boost their playoff prospects. They restricted Janakpur to 88-9 before chasing down the target in 17.2 overs.
Karnali, meanwhile, have endured a disappointing campaign. With two wins and four defeats from six matches, they have four points and are already out of playoff contention. Although the Yaks started the campaign strongly with two straight wins, they suffered four consecutive losses.
The two sides have met three times in NPL history, with Karnali holding a 2-1 advantage. Karnali won both meetings in the inaugural edition in 2024, including a 21-run victory in the Eliminator. Chitwan secured their only win against Karnali in 2025.
Kathmandu Gorkhas vs Pokhara Avengers
The second fixture will see Kathmandu Gorkhas take on Pokhara Avengers at the TU International Cricket Stadium with a spot in Qualifier 1 at stake.
A win against the Avengers will secure Kathmandu a spot in Qualifier 1. A defeat, however, would mean they will finish in third position and play in the Eliminator with the fourth-placed team.
Kathmandu have collected eight points from six matches, with four wins and two losses. Their four-match winning streak ended with a seven-run defeat against Sudurpaschim Royals on Friday.
Pokhara, on the other hand, have struggled throughout the tournament. They have managed just one victory in six matches and sit at the bottom with two points. Their only win came against Karnali Yaks.
The two sides have met twice in the NPL so far, with Kathmandu winning on both occasions. They beat Pokhara by six wickets in 2024 and by 13 runs in 2025.
