What SPR’s Playing XI Could Look Like Against LUL in the Final Match of NPL 2025

Before each final game, there is always a large tactical problem to pursue stability or disruption. Before the Final Match of NPL 2025, SPR will be pursuing both their stable middle-order with years of experience and their disruptive bowlers that thrive on the slow and late grip of the Kirtipur pitch. This season at the Tribhuvan University Ground (TUGH), the total for the winning team has been in the range of 150-160 runs. In addition, in 4 of the last 6 high-pressure games here, the team batting second has been successful. That produces an immediate strategic decision-making question: should SPR start using spin quickly or pace later?

Top Order Built for Controlled Aggression

Mukhtar Ahmed and Binod Bhandari have different gears, and for this reason, the contrast between them in the final of Kirtipur is exactly what this match needs. Mukhtar’s ability to play with the quicks to be able to take control at first will likely give way to the slower stages of the game. Binod Bhandari is a wicket-keeper batter with a wealth of experience, and therefore, he has the “ballast” to steady the ship if there are quicks who have been hitting long lengths to get their runs early, when it would be possible to score quickly before the conditions tighten up. If the top order fails, then it could become a slow crawl for the remaining batsmen.

Middle-Order Solidity Meets Situational Flair

The defining characteristics of the SPR team are embodied by the trio of Dipendra Singh Airee, Ishan Pandey, and Sheldon Jackson, with Jackson anchoring the middle order, Pandey rotating through the batting line-up, and Airee producing rapid-fire scoring at the end of an innings. On pitches where large scoring shots need to be played from established batters, the unpredictable nature of how pitches can deteriorate will be valuable for the tactical awareness of Dipendra Singh Airee. The trio is not formed around fireworks but rather the structural building blocks of an innings, as these are typically rewarded during finals.

All-Rounders as SPR’s Competitive Edge

The variety that SPR will rely upon is in Harmeet Singh, Aarif Sheikh, and Scott Kuggeleijn. The left-arm spin of Harmeet provides a top-class option for when the pitch begins to grip, especially as he faces an LUL team with many right-hand batsmen. Aarif provides SPR with seamers that can skid at cross seam bowling early and cutters that remain effective when bowled later. Kuggeleijn is the additional fast-paced bowler that SPR so desperately needs to combat LUL’s dangerous late-order batsman, and this three-man group could ultimately decide the outcome of the remaining matches.

Bowling Attack Built for Phase Control

While Milan Bohara and Hemant Dhami provide separate access to the bowling attack, their styles of bowling differ. Bohara is best suited to use his orthodox style of spinning in overs 7-14, and Dhami could use early bounce to create conditions for himself with his medium-fast bowling. However, Abinash Bohara will continue to remain the most bankable option for SPR – he has been solid at the back end of an innings, under pressure, as a stumps-to-stumps bowler and has remained very consistent. For SPR to effectively manage the middle overs against LUL’s layered batting order, they need to have a good strategy on how to sequence the bowling (who bowls when) rather than simply relying on who bowls what, and also avoid creating chaos in the death overs.

The first part of the equation is their openers providing a stable launch, and their all-rounding core making tactical changes throughout the game. If their spinners can also control the middle overs, SPR should be able to slowly grind down LUL to the point where the match becomes a grind, in which case they have a huge historical advantage. The greatest risk for SPR is their death-over variability, but if that phase of the game goes well, then SPR would go into the game not as underdogs, but as a side that had a plan that was perfectly aligned with the rhythm of Kirtipur.

Key Takeaway

SPR’s advantage lies not in firepower, but in orchestration.

FAQs

What makes Kirtipur’s pitch critical to SPR’s selection?

It’s slow, late grip demands spin depth and adaptable all-rounders.

Why are the openers essential to SPR’s plans?

They must score before the pitch slows and restricts stroke play.

How can SPR counter LUL’s power-hitting?

By controlling middle overs with spin and executing disciplined death bowling.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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