Who Gets the Nod in the Biratnagar vs Pokhara NPL 2026 Playing XI for Match 22

The latest team sheets point to Andre Russell and Shehan Jayasuriya for Biratnagar and Yuvraj Samra and Mahedi Hasan for Pokhara, though neither side has confirmed its XI for Match 22. Biratnagar have won two of their last five games and Pokhara just one. The sides split their two meetings, with Pokhara winning a Super Over in December 2024 and Biratnagar taking the return by 53 runs in November 2025. The match starts on Thursday, 12 November, at 12:30 pm Nepal time.

Also check: Which Karnali vs Lumbini NPL 2026 Bowlers to Watch Could Swing the Result in Match 23?

Rivalry Stands at One Win Each

The sides have met twice, and each has won once. Their first game, on 12 December 2024, finished level at 139 apiece before Pokhara won the Super Over. Biratnagar answered on 18 November 2025 with a 53-run victory. That is a clean split, with one result decided by the barest margin and the other by a wide one.

Neither result carries much weight now, since the recent league form says more about the current squads. Biratnagar enter with the better record, two wins in five against one for Pokhara, though the gap is a single win.

Biratnagar vs Pokhara NPL 2026 playing XI

Biratnagar’s latest sheet, from 5 November against Kathmandu, opened with Shehan Jayasuriya and Lokesh Bam and gave Angelo Mathews the number five slot. Andre Russell batted at eight, and Sandeep Lamichhane captained from ten. Eight of the eleven carry an all-rounder tag, which gives the side plenty of bowling options.

Their 12 November side is not confirmed, and the status of Pratish GC is unknown. The overseas options are Russell, Mathews, Jayasuriya and Asalanka, though Asalanka’s place is unconfirmed. Bam’s 87 and Russell’s unbeaten 52 and four for 45 are the best returns from the last five games.

The Avengers’ Likely Lineup

Pokhara’s 9 November side against Karnali opened with Yuvraaj Samra and Mahedi Hasan, with Kushal Bhurtel at three. Chamika Karunaratne filled the five slot, and Dhananjaya Lakshan came in at nine. Bhurtel is listed as captain, though Karunaratne has also been named in that role.

Samra scored 102 and Bhurtel 62 in recent games, while Mahedi took 3 for 24. The overseas group is Lakshan, Karunaratne, Samarawickrama, Saifuddin, Mahedi and Shakib, and nobody has reported an injury. Whether Samra keeps his place on 12 November is not yet clear.

Form Guide and Overseas Options

Biratnagar’s wins came against Sudurpaschim by 35 runs and Janakpur by 2, while the losses went to Chitwan by 8 runs, Karnali by 4 wickets and Kathmandu by 9. Half of those results hinged on single-digit margins, which suggests a side that wins and loses narrowly.

Pokhara’s only win in five was the 63-run result against Karnali. They lost to Sudurpaschim by 6 wickets, Janakpur by 9 runs, Lumbini by 8 wickets and Chitwan by 30 runs. Samra’s 102 and Bhurtel’s 62 are the form lines they carry in.

Pitch Numbers and Match Day Plan

No published average exists for the TU ground, but nine matches there give a working one: 139.7 in the first innings and 128.2 in the second. Teams batting first won five of those nine, a slim edge. That points to a modest par score, so a target around 140 gives the bowlers a real chance.

The game starts on Thursday, 12 November, at 12:30 pm Nepal time, which is 12:15 pm in India and 6:45 am GMT. Himalaya Television shows it in Nepal, NetTV worldwide, and FanCode in India. In the Biratnagar vs Pokhara NPL 2026 playing XI contest, my lean is Biratnagar, whose order has more depth through the middle and lower rungs.

Which side picks the stronger overseas group on Thursday: Biratnagar with Russell and Mathews, or Pokhara with Mahedi and Karunaratne? Tell us in the comments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who has won more NPL matches between Biratnagar and Pokhara?

The two sides are level at one win each. Pokhara won a Super Over after a 139-all tie on 12 December 2024, and Biratnagar won by 53 runs on 18 November 2025.

What time does Biratnagar play Pokhara on 12 November?

The match starts at 12:30 pm Nepal time on Thursday, 12 November. That works out to 6:45 am GMT and 12:15 pm in India for viewers watching abroad.

Which overseas players could feature for Pokhara?

Pokhara’s overseas list is Lakshan, Karunaratne, Samarawickrama, Saifuddin, Mahedi Hasan and Shakib. Yuvraaj Samra played in the 9 November win over Karnali, though his place for this game is unconfirmed.

Where can fans watch Biratnagar against Pokhara live?

Himalaya Television shows the match in Nepal, and NetTV streams it worldwide. FanCode carries it for viewers in India, so all three major viewing markets are covered.

Who captained Biratnagar in the latest XI against Kathmandu?

Sandeep Lamichhane captained Biratnagar in the 5 November XI. He batted at ten as a leg-spinner, and the side for 12 November has not been confirmed yet.

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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