![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/03/nepal_premier_league%282024%29.png"){kind=small}
The Nepal Premier League T20 continues with two exciting matches on Monday. While the morning features Kathmandu Gurkhas against Chitwan Rhinos, the afternoon showdown will see Karnali Yaks take on Janakpur Bolts. Both teams are brimming with talent, making this encounter a must-watch.
Karnali Yaks’ Tournament Debut Against a Confident Janakpur Bolts
Karnali Yaks: Led by Sompal Kami with a Power-Packed Squad
Karnali Yaks, featuring Nepal’s senior fast bowler Sompal Kami, will begin their campaign on Monday. The team boasts a strong bowling lineup, including spinner Mausam Dhakal, fast bowler Nandan Yadav, and all-rounder Gulshan Jha.
Their batting order relies heavily on young opener Dev Khanal, who will look to set the tone at the top. However, the biggest highlight for Karnali is the inclusion of Indian cricket legend Shikhar Dhawan. His presence alone is expected to create psychological pressure on the opposition.
In addition to Dhawan, Karnali has a formidable lineup of foreign players, including former Hong Kong captain Babar Hayat, Pakistan’s all-rounder Hussain Talat, West Indies’ right-handed wicketkeeper-batsman, and Oman captain Zeeshan Maqsood.
Janakpur Bolts: Riding High on Momentum
On the other hand, Janakpur Bolts, featuring experienced openers Anil Sah and Aasif Sheikh, will play their second match of the tournament. In their opening game on Saturday, Janakpur convincingly defeated Biratnagar Kings by 8 wickets, showcasing their strength.
A key player for Janakpur is Lahiru Milantha, the Sri Lankan-American wicketkeeper-batsman who scored a match-winning 75 in the opener. The Bolts have also bolstered their squad with the arrival of New Zealand’s fast-bowling all-rounder James Neesham, who missed the first match but is expected to play a crucial role against Karnali.
Other notable foreign players for Janakpur include Joshua Tromp (USA), Mohammad Mohsin (Pakistan), and England’s young all-rounder Ben Mike.
Strengths and Key Matchups
Both teams appear strong on paper, with Karnali leaning on their powerful bowling unit and Janakpur showing balanced batting depth.
- Karnali’s Bowling vs. Janakpur’s Top Order: The clash between Sompal Kami and Janakpur’s openers will be a key battle to watch.
- Shikhar Dhawan’s Impact: Dhawan’s presence brings not just skill but also invaluable experience, adding a new dimension to Karnali’s batting.
- Lahiru Milantha’s Form: Janakpur will hope Milantha continues his impressive form to anchor their innings.
Match Details and Broadcast Information
The game will take place at the TU Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, starting at 1:15 PM Nepal Time. Fans can catch the action live on Star Sports worldwide and the FanCode mobile app in India. For Nepali audio commentary, tune in to CricFootNepal.