Biratnagar Kings vs Pokhara Avengers Prediction, NPL 2026 – Match 22

Biratnagar Kings vs Pokhara Avengers prediction for the 22nd match of the Nepal Premier League 2026 is an important fixture for two teams trying to improve their position in the league table. Biratnagar have two wins from five matches, while Pokhara have finally registered their first victory after losing their opening four games.

Biratnagar Kings began the tournament with two defeats but recovered with wins over Sudurpaschim Royals and Janakpur Bolts. Their recent loss to Kathmandu Gorkhas, however, was a setback: the Kings were dismissed for just 83 while chasing a modest target. That collapse will be a concern against a Pokhara side that has just produced the highest team total of the season.

Pokhara Avengers’ breakthrough came against Karnali Yaks on 9 November. Yuvraaj Samra struck 102 from 48 balls and Kushal Bhurtel added 62, helping the Avengers post 217/3 before bowling Karnali out for 154. The 63-run victory gives Pokhara renewed confidence, although their earlier defeats exposed problems with consistency.

The Kings have experienced T20 performers such as Andre Russell, Angelo Mathews, Charith Asalanka and Sandeep Lamichhane. Pokhara also have significant international experience through Shakib Al Hasan, Mahedi Hasan, Mohammed Saifuddin and Chamika Karunaratne. The contest therefore features two teams with considerable individual quality but different recent momentum.

Biratnagar will want to recover quickly from their batting collapse, while Pokhara will look to build on Samra and Bhurtel’s match-winning partnership. The result could have an important impact on both sides’ playoff hopes as the league stage progresses.

Match Details

Biratnagar Kings – Last 5 NPL Matches

Pokhara Avengers – Last 5 NPL Matches

Recent form comparison: Biratnagar have two wins and three defeats, while Pokhara have one win and four losses. The Kings have shown they can post competitive totals, including 186/7 and 174/3, but their collapse against Kathmandu exposed a major weakness. Pokhara’s latest 217/3 was a substantial improvement, yet their earlier batting struggles mean the century against Karnali must be followed by another consistent performance. Both teams have had issues with consistency, but Pokhara enter this fixture with the more recent winning momentum.

Biratnagar Kings Preview

Biratnagar Kings have two wins from five matches and remain in the middle of the league-table battle. Their best batting performance came against Janakpur Bolts, when they posted 174/3 and defended it by just two runs. Imran Sheikh, Lokesh Bam and Andre Russell all made important contributions in that game, showing the depth available in their batting order.

Lokesh Bam has been Biratnagar’s most consistent batter so far. He has scored 194 runs in five innings, including a highest score of 87, and is currently among the leading run-scorers in the competition. Russell has added 144 runs at a strike rate of 189.5, giving the Kings a powerful finishing option. The combination of Bam’s consistency and Russell’s acceleration will be important against Pokhara.

The Kings also have experience in the middle order through Angelo Mathews, Charith Asalanka and Shubham Ranjane. Mathews offers composure and medium-pace options, while Asalanka can provide left-handed batting balance if selected. Their challenge is to avoid another collapse like the 83 all out against Kathmandu Gorkhas.

Sandeep Lamichhane is central to the bowling strategy. His leg-spin can be particularly useful on a Kirtipur surface where spinners often play an important role. Russell, Mathews, Basir Ahamad and Ranjane provide additional bowling options, allowing the captain to vary pace and spin through the innings.

Biratnagar’s main tactical priority should be to take wickets early against Samra and Bhurtel. If the Kings can break that opening partnership and keep Pokhara below 150, their batting depth should give them a strong chance. They also need their top order to provide a stable start rather than relying too heavily on Russell’s late hitting.

Pokhara Avengers Preview

Pokhara Avengers enter this match after finally securing their first win of NPL 2026. Their 63-run victory over Karnali Yaks was built around a spectacular partnership between Yuvraaj Samra and Kushal Bhurtel. Samra scored 102 from 48 balls, while Bhurtel made 62 from 39 deliveries. Their 136-run stand transformed the innings and helped Pokhara reach 217/3.

That performance showed the potential of Pokhara’s batting lineup. Samra’s aggressive approach gives them a powerful option at the top, while Bhurtel can both attack and build an innings. Chamika Karunaratne’s unbeaten 35 from just 11 balls against Karnali also demonstrated the team’s finishing ability.

The Avengers have a varied group of all-rounders and bowlers. Mahedi Hasan took 3/24 in the previous match, while Dhananjaya Lakshan and Bipin Khatri also picked up two wickets each. Shakib Al Hasan brings experience and control with his left-arm spin, while Mohammed Saifuddin and Karunaratne offer seam-bowling options if selected.

However, Pokhara’s earlier results show why they are still near the bottom of the table. They had been dismissed for 97/9 against Lumbini and 121 all out against Chitwan before the breakthrough win. Their batting needs to show that the Karnali performance was the start of a more reliable pattern rather than a one-off result.

Against Biratnagar, Pokhara should look to attack in the powerplay while protecting wickets. With Samra and Bhurtel in form, the Avengers can put pressure on the Kings, but their middle order must be ready to contribute if the opening partnership is broken. Their bowling will also need to make better use of spin and avoid allowing Bam and Russell to dictate the final overs.

Team Squad & Team News

Biratnagar Kings Squad

Sandeep Lamichhane (captain), Basir Ahamad, Dilsad Ali, Jishan Alam, Charith Asalanka, Lokesh Bam, Subash Bhandari, Pratish GC, Narayan Joshi, Aprajit Poudel, Shubham Ranjane, Naren Saud, Imran Sheikh, Rupesh Singh, Pratik Shrestha and Sujan Thapaliya. Overseas options reported for the franchise also include Andre Russell, Angelo Mathews and Shehan Jayasuriya.

Team news: Sandeep Lamichhane is the captain. Biratnagar’s latest confirmed match lineup was against Kathmandu Gorkhas on 5 November. Pratish GC’s availability for this fixture has been reported as uncertain, and the final overseas-player combination should be checked at the toss.

Pokhara Avengers Squad

Kushal Bhurtel (captain), Bipin Acharya, Sudip Aryal, Sunny BK, Aakash Chand, Sagar Dhakal, Arjun Gharti, Shakib Al Hasan, Dinesh Kharel, Arjun Kumal, Bipin Khatri, Dhananjaya Lakshan, Bibek Magar, Pratik Pokharel and Kiran Thagunna. Overseas options reported for the franchise include Yuvraaj Samra, Mahedi Hasan, Chamika Karunaratne, Mohammed Saifuddin and Sadeera Samarawickrama.

Probable Playing XI

Probable XIs are subject to official team announcements and the toss.

Dream11 / Fantasy Prediction

Samra is a high-upside selection after his 102 in the previous match, while Lokesh Bam offers consistency with 194 runs in the tournament. Russell is valuable because he can contribute with both bat and ball. Lamichhane and Shakib are worth considering on a ground where spin has historically taken a significant share of wickets.

Captain Options

1. Yuvraaj Samra – Scored a century in the previous match and is in strong batting form.
2. Andre Russell – Offers points potential through explosive batting and wicket-taking.

Vice-Captain Options

1. Lokesh Bam – Biratnagar’s leading run-scorer in the tournament.
2. Kushal Bhurtel – Coming off a 62-run innings and can contribute as a top-order batter.

Players to Avoid

1. Dilsad Ali – His expected batting position and involvement are less certain than Lokesh Bam’s.
2. Sudip Aryal – His role in the likely XI is not sufficiently clear from the available match information.

Fantasy suggestions are for informational purposes only and are not guaranteed to produce points or returns. Confirm the final XI before selecting a fantasy team.

Weather Report

The scheduled afternoon start reduces the likelihood of dew being a major factor. Rain is the main weather concern, although the available forecasts suggest a relatively modest probability of precipitation. Teams should be prepared for a possible interruption, but weather does not currently justify changing the match prediction substantially. Time and Date+2

Broadcast Details

The match is scheduled for 12:15 PM IST (12:30 PM Nepal Time). Available match coverage information lists Himalaya Television for viewers in Nepal, NetTV for worldwide streaming and FanCode for viewers in India. Check local platform listings for access and subscription details.

Toss Prediction & Strategy

If Biratnagar Kings win the toss

Biratnagar should consider bowling first. The venue’s cited NPL 2026 sample shows a small advantage for chasing teams, and the Kings can use Lamichhane and their other spin options to put pressure on Pokhara’s middle order. Restricting the Avengers to around 145 would give their batting lineup a manageable target.

If Pokhara Avengers win the toss

Pokhara could also choose to bowl first, particularly after their bowlers successfully defended 217 in the previous match. Their spin options may be useful against Biratnagar’s middle order, while chasing would allow Samra and Bhurtel to set the pace according to the target.

Toss Prediction

Predicted toss winner: Biratnagar Kings

The Kings are marginally favoured in this toss prediction, but the outcome is inherently uncertain. The team winning the toss may prefer to field first.

Score Prediction

Winning Chances

Why the Win Percentage?

Main reasons behind the prediction:

1. Stronger tournament record: Biratnagar have two wins compared with Pokhara’s one, giving the Kings a small advantage in overall results.
2. Lokesh Bam’s consistency: Bam has scored 194 runs in five innings and is an important source of stability for Biratnagar.
3. Experience in the bowling attack: Lamichhane, Russell and Mathews give the Kings several options to manage different phases of the innings.
4. Pokhara’s improved batting: Samra’s century and Bhurtel’s 62 have changed the outlook for the Avengers. If they reproduce that partnership, they can overturn the prediction.

Key Player Matchups

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