Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Biratnagar Kings take on Lumbini Lions in Match No. 22 of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) at the TU International Cricket Grounds in Kathmandu on Wednesday.
Biratnagar enter the match in a strong position, sitting on eight points from five games and virtually assured of a playoff berth. A win on Wednesday will seal their playoff spot. Lumbini, however, are on the brink. Their campaign has been inconsistent, and another loss would jeopardize their hopes of reaching the knockout stage, although they will have mathematical chances of advancing. A win against Biratnagar will boost their chances.
The two sides played a thriller in last year’s NPL. Lumbini thought their 191-run target looked defendable until Biratnagar edged home with two wickets and one ball to spare. Despite that dramatic finish, both teams ended the season at the bottom of the table and missed out on the playoffs.
Biratnagar will be bolstered by the arrival of South African star Faf du Plessis, who is expected to open the innings on Wednesday. Although the Kings had announced the signing of du Plessis before the NPL began, he joined the team only a few days ago following his stint in the Abu Dhabi T10 League, where he played for Vista Riders.
