Pokhara Avengers vs Kathmandu Gurkhas Preview: The Pokhara Avengers will face the Kathmandu Gurkhas in Match 24 of the Nepal Premier League. Both teams are fighting to climb the standings, with Kathmandu ranked 5th and Pokhara 6th, each with identical records of two wins from five matches. With playoff spots on the line, this clash promises to be intense and competitive.

Standings Overview

• Pokhara Avengers: 6th (2 wins, 3 losses)
• Kathmandu Gurkhas: 5th (2 wins, 3 losses)

Despite being level on points, Kathmandu is ahead due to a slightly better Net Run Rate (-1.008) compared to Pokhara (-1.295). A win here is crucial for both sides to stay in contention for the top four.

Pitch Report

• The Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground favors bowlers. Average 1st innings score: 135 runs (last 20 matches). Spinners have dominated, with seamers also finding assistance. The team winning the toss might prefer to bat first, considering that batting first has resulted in 60% wins at this venue recently.

Form Guide

Pokhara Avengers:

• Recent Match: Tied with Biratnagar Kings (won via Super Over).
• Form: T, L, W, L, L

Kathmandu Gurkhas:

• Recent Match: Lost to Janakpur Bolts by 5 wickets.
• Form: L, W, L, W, L

Pokhara Avengers vs Kathmandu Gurkhas Playing XI

Pokhara Avengers:

1. Dinesh Kharel
2. Andries Gous
3. Kushal Bhurtel (c)
4. Zen Malik
5. Raymon Reifer
6. Trit Raj Das
7. Michael Leask
8. Narayan Joshi
9. Bipin Khatri
10. Kiran Thagunna
11. Sagar Dhakal

Kathmandu Gurkhas:

1. Stephen Eskinazi
2. Michael Levitt
3. Bhim Sharki
4. Gerhard Erasmus
5. Sumit Maharjan
6. Rashid Khan
7. Dan Douthwaite
8. Pratik Shrestha
9. Karan KC (c)
10. Shahab Alam
11. Dipesh Kandel

Key Players to Watch

Pokhara Avengers:

• Andries Gous: With consistent scores, Gous is crucial to anchoring the innings.
• Sagar Dhakal: Likely to exploit the spin-friendly conditions.

Kathmandu Gurkhas:

• Karan KC: The captain is a reliable wicket-taker and key to restricting runs.
• Gerhard Erasmus: His all-round abilities add depth in both batting and bowling.

Pokhara Avengers vs Kathmandu Gurkhas Prediction

Both teams have struggled for consistency, but Pokhara’s improved performance in the last match might give them an edge. However, Kathmandu’s stronger bowling attack, led by Karan KC, could neutralize Pokhara’s batting power.

Predicted Winner: Kathmandu Gurkhas (narrow margin).

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