Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Sudurpaschim Royals will look to strengthen their playoff prospects when they take on Karnali Yaks in the opening match of Friday’s double-header in the Nepal Premier League (NPL).
Chitwan Rhinos will face Pokhara Avengers, who are still searching for their first victory of the season, in the evening fixtures.
Sudurpachim take on Karnali at 12:30 p.m., while Karnali meet Pokhara at 5 p.m.
Sudurpaschim Royals vs Karnali Yaks
Sudurpaschim know a defeat against Karnali would complicate their chances of making it to the playoffs. Although they have dominated the Yaks in past encounters, they will be cautious when they take on a much-improved Karnali side in the first match of the day.
Karnali, who look stronger than the past two seasons, have further strengthened their squad with the addition of South African explosive batter David Miller.
Royals have also recruited West Indies all-rounder Fabian Allen who should provide them with powerful hitting in the death overs.
Sudurpaschim are ahead on head-to-head, having won both previous encounters against Karnali. They defeated Karnali by six wickets in 2024, while they recorded a 45-run win in 2025.
However, Karnali will be keen to end that losing streak, as they have started the 2026 campaign brightly. They have won two of their three matches so far. They opened with a victory over Janakpur Bolts and followed it up with a four-wicket win against Biratnagar Kings. Their only defeat came against Kathmandu Gorkhas in a closely contested match.
Karnali have four points and are third in the standings.
Sudurpaschim, meanwhile, have had an inconsistent campaign. They lost their opening match against defending champions Lumbini Lions before bouncing back with a six-wicket victory over Pokhara Avengers. They then suffered a 35-run defeat against Biratnagar Kings in a rain-shortened match but returned to winning ways with a five-wicket victory over Chitwan Rhinos.
The Royals have four points from four matches.
Chitwan Rhinos vs Pokhara Avengers
The second fixture will see Chitwan Rhinos take on the winless Pokhara Avengers.
Pokhara began their 2026 campaign with a six-wicket defeat against Sudurpaschim Royals. They then suffered a nine-run loss to Janakpur Bolts. Their most recent defeat came against Lumbini Lions, who chased down a target of 98 with eight wickets in hand.
The Avengers are at the bottom of the standings without a point and have a net run rate of -1.770.
Chitwan, on the other hand, have had a mixed start. They began the campaign with an eight-run victory over Biratnagar Kings before their match against Lumbini Lions was abandoned without a result due to rain. They lost their third match against Sudurpaschim Royals by five wickets.
The Rhinos have three points from three matches and sit seventh in the standings.
The head-to-head record between the two sides is evenly balanced, with each winning one of their previous two meetings.
Chitwan registered an 87-run win over Pokhara in 2024, while Pokhara recorded an eight-wicket victory against Chitwan in 2025.
A victory on Friday will take Chitwan to five points and improve their position in the playoff race. On the other hand, another defeat would jeopardize Pokhara’s chances of reaching the knockout stage.
