Janakpur Bolts vs Pokhara Avengers Prediction – 9th Match, NPL 2026

Janakpur Bolts vs Pokhara Avengers prediction: Janakpur Bolts will look to build on their recent victory when they take on Pokhara Avengers in the ninth match of the Nepal Premier League 2026 at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, on Sunday, November 1.

Both teams have had different starts to their campaigns. Janakpur have played two matches, winning one and losing one, while Pokhara have suffered defeat in their only completed match so far. Janakpur lost their opening fixture against Karnali Yaks by 19 runs but responded with an eight-wicket victory over Kathmandu Gurkhas.

Their latest performance was particularly encouraging. Chasing 116 against Kathmandu, Janakpur reached 116/2 in 17.2 overs. Moeen Ali played an important role with an unbeaten 58, while Rahul Yadav produced an impressive four-wicket bowling performance.

Pokhara Avengers, meanwhile, began their campaign against Sudurpaschim Royals. They posted 145/7, but the Royals completed the chase in 16.5 overs with six wickets remaining. Pokhara will need considerable improvement from their bowling unit, particularly during the powerplay and middle overs.

The match presents an opportunity for Janakpur to move forward in the league standings, while Pokhara need their first victory to avoid falling further behind in the early competition.

Janakpur have valuable overseas experience through Moeen Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed and James Neesham, alongside captain Harmeet Singh. Pokhara’s key options include Kushal Bhurtel, Shakib Al Hasan, Chamika Karunaratne and Dhananjaya Lakshan.

The balance of the match could depend on whether Janakpur’s experienced all-rounders can exploit Pokhara’s bowling weaknesses or whether the Avengers can produce a stronger performance with the ball.

Match Details

Janakpur Bolts Last 5 Matches

Pokhara Avengers Last 5 Matches

Recent Form Comparison

Janakpur have won two of their last five listed NPL matches, while Pokhara have won one. The difference becomes more significant when considering their current-season performances: Janakpur have already demonstrated an ability to recover from defeat, whereas Pokhara are still searching for their first victory.

Janakpur’s latest chase showed good batting control, with Moeen Ali anchoring the innings. Pokhara’s batting produced 145 against Sudurpaschim, but their bowling failed to defend that total.

Verdict: Janakpur Bolts have the better recent form and stronger momentum. Their successful chase against Kathmandu should provide confidence heading into this contest.

Current NPL 2026 Points Table

Janakpur Bolts Preview

Janakpur Bolts have shown an encouraging response after losing their opening match against Karnali Yaks. The defending champions bounced back with an eight-wicket victory over Kathmandu Gorkhas, demonstrating the value of their experienced overseas players and improving local bowling options.

Their biggest positive has been the performance of Rahul Yadav. He claimed four wickets for 31 runs against Kathmandu, helping dismiss the opposition for 115 in 19.3 overs. His ability to strike early makes him an important player against Pokhara’s batting lineup.

Moeen Ali was equally influential in the successful chase. His unbeaten 58 from 51 deliveries provided stability, while Saif Hassan contributed an unbeaten 40. Their partnership ensured Janakpur reached the target with 16 balls remaining.

Moeen’s availability is particularly important for this fixture. He has indicated that he is with Janakpur for the first four matches, and this is the team’s third scheduled game of the season. His presence provides batting experience, off-spin and flexibility in the middle order.

The overseas combination also includes Iftikhar Ahmed and James Neesham, both of whom offer all-round capabilities. Captain Harmeet Singh can contribute with the ball and provide stability in the lower middle order.

Janakpur’s local players are also important. Anil Sah provides wicketkeeping options, while Lalit Rajbanshi offers left-arm spin. Trit Raj Das and Mayan Yadav can strengthen the batting order, and Rahul Yadav has already demonstrated his wicket-taking potential.

Their main weakness appeared against Karnali, when they were dismissed for 113 while chasing 133. That performance highlighted the risk of losing several wickets in quick succession. They must avoid a similar collapse against Pokhara.

Against the Avengers, Janakpur should attack the middle overs with their all-rounders and use Rahul Yadav to target the top order. If Moeen and Saif provide another stable partnership, the Bolts will have a strong opportunity to secure their second victory.

Key players: Moeen Ali, Rahul Yadav, Harmeet Singh, Iftikhar Ahmed and James Neesham.

Pokhara Avengers Preview

Pokhara Avengers have a challenging task after losing their opening match against Sudurpaschim Royals by six wickets. They scored 145/7, but their bowlers could not prevent the opposition from completing the chase in 16.5 overs.

Their batting performance had some positives. Mahedi Hasan scored 32 from 21 balls, while Arjun Gharti remained unbeaten on 40 from 25 deliveries. These contributions helped Pokhara reach a reasonable total after losing wickets during the middle overs.

Captain Kushal Bhurtel scored 21, while Shakib Al Hasan contributed 14. The team will expect greater contributions from these experienced players against Janakpur.

Shakib is particularly important because of his ability to influence both innings. His left-arm spin can be useful on a surface where slower bowlers have historically played an important role, while his batting experience provides depth.

Chamika Karunaratne and Dhananjaya Lakshan offer additional all-round options. The availability of overseas players such as Mahedi Hasan and Mohammad Saifuddin also gives the Avengers flexibility in selecting their bowling combination.

The bowling attack needs considerable improvement. Scott Kuggeleijn conceded 49 runs in four overs against Sudurpaschim, while the other bowlers could not prevent the opposition from scoring quickly enough.

Pokhara should focus on controlling the powerplay and avoiding expensive middle-over spells. Their spinners, including Sagar Dhakal and Shakib, could play an important role against Janakpur’s right- and left-handed batters.

The batting unit also needs better partnerships. Arjun Gharti’s late contribution was valuable, but the team cannot regularly depend on the lower order to rescue the innings.

Against Janakpur, the Avengers need an aggressive opening partnership and more disciplined bowling. If Bhurtel and Mahedi provide a strong start, followed by contributions from Shakib and the all-rounders, Pokhara have enough quality to challenge the defending champions.

Key players: Kushal Bhurtel, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahedi Hasan, Arjun Gharti and Chamika Karunaratne.

Team Squad & Team News

Janakpur Bolts Squad

• Harmeet Singh (Captain)
• Anil Sah (Wicketkeeper)
• Kusal Perera
• Moeen Ali
• Iftikhar Ahmed
• James Neesham
• Saif Hassan
• Rahul Yadav
• Mayan Yadav
• Trit Raj Das
• Rit Gautam
• Santosh Karki
• Bikash Aagri
• Aaditya Mahata
• Lalit Rajbanshi
• Abhishek Tiwari
• Amar Singh Rautela
• Ashutosh Pandey
• Bishal Patel
• Bishal Susling

Pokhara Avengers Squad

• Kushal Bhurtel (Captain)
• Dinesh Kharel
• Arjun Kumal
• Arjun Gharti
• Sadeera Samarawickrama
• Shakib Al Hasan
• Mahedi Hasan
• Dhananjaya Lakshan
• Chamika Karunaratne
• Mohammad Saifuddin
• Bipin Khatri
• Aakash Chand
• Sagar Dhakal
• Kiran Thagunna
• Pratik Pokharel
• Sudip Aryal
• Bibek Rana Magar
• Sunny BK
• Bipin Acharya

Important Team News

Janakpur Bolts

• Harmeet Singh continues to lead the defending champions.
• Moeen Ali is expected to be available. He has indicated that his stint covers Janakpur’s first four matches, and this fixture is their third.
• Rahul Yadav has emerged as an important local bowling option after taking 4/31 against Kathmandu.
• James Neesham and Iftikhar Ahmed provide additional overseas all-round options.
• No confirmed injury withdrawal affecting this match has been identified.

Pokhara Avengers

• Kushal Bhurtel remains captain.
• Shakib Al Hasan is available for the tournament and provides all-round experience.
• Mahedi Hasan and Arjun Gharti were important contributors in the opening match.
• Chamika Karunaratne and Dhananjaya Lakshan strengthen the overseas all-round department.
• No confirmed injury withdrawal affecting this match has been identified.

Probable Playing XI

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

Dream11 / Fantasy Prediction

Janakpur Bolts have several attractive fantasy options because of their strong recent performance. Moeen Ali is an important selection after scoring an unbeaten 58, while Rahul Yadav deserves consideration following his four-wicket haul.

For Pokhara, Arjun Gharti is worth considering after scoring an unbeaten 40 in the opening match. Shakib Al Hasan and Mahedi Hasan offer additional all-round and batting potential.

Captain Options

1. Moeen Ali: An experienced all-rounder who scored an unbeaten 58 in the previous match.
2. Shakib Al Hasan: Offers opportunities with both bat and ball.

Vice-Captain Options

1. Rahul Yadav: Coming off an impressive four-wicket performance.
2. Harmeet Singh: Provides all-round value and leadership experience.

Fantasy suggestions are for informational purposes only and are not guaranteed to produce points or returns.

Pitch Report

The Kirtipur surface generally offers a reasonably competitive batting environment, although spinners can play an important role as the innings progresses. Historical venue data indicates that spinners have accounted for a substantial proportion of wickets in men’s T20 matches.

The powerplay is an important scoring period because batters can take advantage of fielding restrictions. However, the middle overs can become challenging when spinners maintain accurate lines and lengths.

Janakpur have an advantage in their all-round options, particularly through Moeen Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed and Harmeet Singh. Pokhara can counter this with Shakib Al Hasan, Mahedi Hasan and Sagar Dhakal.

The venue has produced slightly more successful chases than batting-first victories in NPL matches. Therefore, bowling first could be an attractive option after assessing the surface.

Pitch verdict: A first-innings score of 145–160 should be competitive. A total above 165 could put the chasing side under considerable pressure.

Weather Report

Weather Impact

The match is scheduled to begin at 5:00 PM Nepal time, close to sunset. The possibility of afternoon showers should be monitored, although the available forecast does not indicate a high probability of a prolonged interruption. Cooler evening conditions could assist seamers, while a shortened match would make aggressive batting particularly important.

Broadcast Details

Toss Prediction & Strategy

If Janakpur Bolts Win the Toss

Janakpur should consider bowling first.

Their bowling attack performed well against Kathmandu, restricting the opposition to 115. Rahul Yadav’s wicket-taking ability and Moeen Ali’s spin could create problems for Pokhara’s batting lineup.

If Pokhara Avengers Win the Toss

Pokhara should also consider bowling first.

Their previous match demonstrated that 145 was not sufficient to defend comfortably. Bowling first would give them an opportunity to assess the surface and plan their chase.

Toss Prediction

Predicted toss winner: Janakpur Bolts

Janakpur are our speculative toss pick. If they win, bowling first would be a reasonable tactical decision based on the venue’s historical chasing record.

Score Prediction

Winning Chances – Janakpur Bolts vs Pokhara Avengers

Key Player Matchups

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