Karnali Yaks vs Chitwan Rhinos Prediction: Who Will Win 2nd T20 Nepal Premier League Match on 18th November 2025?
The Nepal Premier League 2025 heats up as fans eagerly await the thrilling clash between Karnali Yaks and Chitwan Rhinos. Today’s detailed Karnali Yaks vs Chitwan Rhinos prediction explores every key factor—team form, squad depth, pitch behaviour, fantasy picks, and match tactics—to help fans understand what to expect from this highly anticipated encounter. The 2nd T20 promises to be closely contested, especially with both teams eager to begin their campaign with a commanding win.
Karnali Yaks enter this fixture with strong confidence after winning both matches against the Chitwan Rhinos last season. Their balanced batting lineup and improved squad composition will be crucial as they seek to maintain dominance. On the other hand, the Rhinos are determined to turn things around after falling short in last year’s Eliminator. With fresh additions like Dawid Malan and Ravi Bopara, their batting strength has visibly improved, making the contest more competitive than ever.
Based on our prediction for Karnali Yaks vs Chitwan Rhinos, this match is expected to be a tactical battle—Yaks with their depth and balance against the Rhinos with their international firepower. Both sides will aim to start the season positively, and with high stakes for early momentum, this could be one of the standout fixtures of the league stage.
- Karnali Yaks defeated Chitwan Rhinos in both meetings last season.
- Chitwan Rhinos’ middle-order remains a concern despite new signings.
- Karnali Yaks boast superior batting depth and consistency.
- Pitch expected to assist spinners, advantage to teams with strong slow-bowling options.
Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | KY vs CR – 2nd T20, Nepal Premier League 2025 |
| Date | Tuesday, 18 November 2025 |
| Time | 11:00 AM |
| Venue | Tribhuvan University International Cricket Stadium, Nepal |
| Broadcast | Fancode |
Chitwan Rhinos Team Preview
Chitwan Rhinos enter the 2025 season aiming to go one step further than last year, where they narrowly missed out in the Eliminator. Led by Kushal Malla, the Rhinos possess a good combination of youth and international experience, making them one of the most entertaining teams to watch.
Their biggest improvement comes in the batting department. The inclusion of English star Dawid Malan and veteran all-rounder Ravi Bopara brings stability, experience, and calmness—an area they lacked last season. Malan, known for his anchor role, will pair with Bipin Rawal at the top, aiming to lay a strong platform. In the middle order, the trio of Kushal Malla, Dev Khanal, and Bopara holds the key. Their ability to rotate strike and accelerate later will determine the Rhinos’ competitiveness.
The lower middle order features powerful hitters like Saif Zaib and Sohail Tanvir, both capable of adding quick 25–30 runs in the death overs. This makes the Rhinos’ batting lineup deep and balanced.
Bowling, however, remains an area of concern. While Sohail Tanvir brings vast international experience, he cannot carry the attack alone. Rijan Dhakal, Alindile Mhletywa, and Kgaudisa Molefe must step up to maintain control in the middle overs. Captain Malla and Zaib are expected to provide spin options to counter Karnali’s strong top order.
For the Rhinos to succeed, their key lies in early wickets and maintaining discipline in the middle overs. If the bowlers deliver in partnerships, they certainly have the firepower to upset the Yaks.
Karnali Yaks Team Preview
Karnali Yaks enter the 2025 campaign with renewed hunger. They came close to lifting the trophy last season but fell short in the 2nd Qualifier. Under the leadership of Sompal Kami, the Yaks have rebuilt strategically, adding impactful overseas talent and strengthening their middle order.
Their most exciting addition is Dutch opener Max O’Dowd, a proven white-ball performer known for aggressive stroke play in the powerplay. Partnering with young star Gulshan Jha, the Yaks have a solid opening duo that can provide explosive starts. The middle order features William Bosisto, Imran Sheikh, and Deepak Dumre, all capable of anchoring the innings and controlling tempo based on the wicket conditions.
In the lower middle order, captain Sompal Kami brings finishing muscle, supported by Pawan Sarraf, who can also contribute with spin. This makes Karnali’s batting lineup deeper and more flexible compared to last season.
Their key challenge lies in the bowling department, which lacks the sharpness of their batting unit. Mark Watt, a specialist left-arm spinner, will play a significant role on Nepal’s spin-friendly pitches. With Kami leading the new-ball attack, the responsibility falls on Unish Singh and Sarraf to ensure economical overs in the middle phase. Yuvraj Khatri adds youthful energy but will need to be consistent.
Overall, the Yaks boast strong batting depth and a competitive bowling unit. If their bowlers deliver even a moderate performance, their strong batting lineup can comfortably win matches.
Probable Playing XIs
Chitwan Rhinos
Kushal Malla (c)
Bipin Rawal (wk)
Dawid Malan
Ravi Bopara
Sohail Tanvir
Saif Zaib
Dev Khanal
Deepak Bohara
Rijan Dhakal
Ranjit Kumar
Amar Routela
Karnali Yaks
Sompal Kami (c)
Max O’Dowd
Gulshan Jha
Nandan Yadav
Mark Watt
William Bosisto
Pawan Sarraf
Imran Sheikh
Yuvraj Khatri
Unish Singh
Deepak Dumre
Karnali Yaks vs Chitwan Rhinos Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction
| Role | Player |
|---|---|
| WK | Bipin Rawal |
| BAT | Max O’Dowd, Malan, Bosisto |
| AR | Kami, Bopara, Zaib |
| BOWL | Mark Watt, Tanvir, Dhakal, Sarraf |
This Fantasy XI is structured to balance reliability and high-impact potential. Bipin Rawal is chosen as the wicketkeeper due to his consistency and involvement behind the stumps. The batting picks—Max O’Dowd, Dawid Malan, and Bosisto—offer a mix of aggression and stability, necessary for adapting to Nepal’s conditions.
All-rounders dominate the fantasy selection because they guarantee multi-dimensional contributions. Sompal Kami, Ravi Bopara, and Saif Zaib provide a strong advantage with both bat and ball, increasing chances of accumulating points through runs, wickets, catches, or economy-rate bonuses.
In the bowling department, Mark Watt leads the pack as a proven spinner on these pitches. Sohail Tanvir brings international experience, while Rijan Dhakal and Pawan Sarraf add wicket-taking potential in the middle overs.
This XI gives you the perfect mix of safe picks and match-winners.
Captain & Vice-Captain Picks
- Captain: Max O’Dowd
- Vice-Captain: Ravi Bopara
Players to Avoid
- Deepak Bohara – inconsistent strike rotation
- Yuvraj Khatri – may not bowl full quota
Also Check: Get The Best Dream11 Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team in Today’s Match
Karnali Yaks enter this fixture as the favourites due to their superior batting depth and stronger all-round balance. Their recent record against Chitwan Rhinos—two wins last season—gives them psychological advantage heading into this contest. The presence of international talents like Max O’Dowd and Mark Watt further strengthens their lineup, making them more adaptable to conditions at Tribhuvan University Stadium. Their top order looks more settled, and their middle order appears more reliable than the Rhinos’.
Moreover, while both teams possess explosive batting, the Yaks’ ability to rotate strike in the middle overs gives them an edge in constructing competitive totals. Even though their bowling unit is not the strongest, the Rhinos’ inconsistent middle order provides Yaks an opening to exploit.
Pitch Report
The Tribhuvan University pitch traditionally offers good bounce and grip for spinners. Early in the innings, pacers may get slight movement, but the track generally slows down as the game progresses. Batters who settle early can score freely, but rotating strike becomes crucial in the middle overs. A score around 150–160 is competitive on this surface, especially with the large boundaries favouring bowlers.
Weather Report
Dry conditions with clear skies. Temperature around 22°C. No chance of rain delays expected.
Broadcast Details
Live on Fancode
Toss Prediction
Karnali Yaks expected to win the toss and bat first.
Match Prediction
Karnali Yaks hold a clear advantage due to their strong batting unit and superior consistency. With proven performers and better balance across departments, Yaks are well-placed to secure their third straight win over Chitwan Rhinos.
Winner: Karnali Yaks
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
Disclaimer: Predictions are for entertainment purposes only. We don’t get involved in or promote betting or gambling. Also, We strongly discourage behaviors of participating in illegal activities related to cricket. Our experts try to be as correct as possible, but we do not guarantee 100% correctness.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricketwebs on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
