Who Is Likely to Start for Pokhara Avengers and Karnali Yaks in NPL 2026 Match 19?

Match 19 | Nepal Premier League 2026 | Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur | 9 November 2026

Pokhara Avengers are pointless after four games and sit last, while Karnali Yaks hold sixth place with four points. Both sides lost on 6 November, so Monday’s meeting is a chance to put that behind them quickly. Kushal Bhurtel and Ariful Islam look the safest picks to open for their teams. Overseas stars such as Sadeera Samarawickrama and David Miller are expected to anchor the middle of each batting order, while the bowling selections remain far less certain than anyone would like.

Two Beaten Teams Meet on Monday

Pokhara have yet to earn a point, with defeats to Sudurpaschim by six wickets, Janakpur by nine runs, Lumbini by eight wickets and Chitwan by 30 runs. Their net run rate of minus 1.679 keeps them eighth. Karnali have won two and lost two from four, and sit sixth on a net run rate of minus 0.268.

Karnali’s results include wins over Janakpur (19 runs) and Biratnagar (four wickets), and defeats against Kathmandu by four wickets and Sudurpaschim by 39 runs, the second of those on 6 November. Neither side has had long to recover, so fatigue and rotation could shape the elevens.

Pokhara vs Karnali NPL 2026 playing XI

Bhurtel leads Pokhara, whose overseas group features Samarawickrama, Karunaratne, Lakshan, Mahedi, Shakib and Saifuddin. Their last full lineup on record came against Janakpur on 1 November and paired Mahedi, Shakib, Saifuddin and Karunaratne with Kharel, Thagunna, Gharti, Acharya, Khatri and Pokharel.

The projected eleven below shifts the balance toward batting, with Samarawickrama at three and Lakshan at four. Kharel and Thagunna hold the middle, while Karunaratne, Mahedi and Saifuddin supply late runs and overs. The last two places are open, with Khatri or Dhakal as the spinner and Yuvraj Singh or Sudeep Aryal as the pacer.

Miller and Watt Anchor the Yaks

Sompal Kami captains Karnali, whose overseas group includes Miller, Talat, Watt and Farhan. Miller was confirmed for his debut on 6 November, adding finishing power to a middle order that already had Talat and Sarraf. Farhan missed the opening two games, and no update on his availability has surfaced since.

Islam, Talat, Sarraf, Jha and Kami all featured against Kathmandu on 2 November, which gives the projected order a solid base. Islam and Dumre open in the projection, with Talat at three and Miller at four. The bowling leans on Watt, Yadav and Tamang, with Kami adding variety.

Past Meetings Split Evenly

Pokhara won the most recent clash on 2 December 2025 by 34 runs, posting 201 against 167. A century of 108 from Rossington powered that total. Bhurtel, Dhakal, Thagunna, Lakshan and Khatri from that side are expected to feature again.

Karnali won the earlier game on 10 December 2024 by seven wickets, finishing on 104 for 3 after Pokhara managed 103. Bosisto returned figures of 6 for 28 in that match. Karnali also retain Watt, Jha, Sarraf, Kami and Yadav from the December 2025 XI.

Match Day Picks and Viewing

The match begins at 12:30 Nepal time on 9 November, which is 12:15 in India and 06:45 GMT. HTN and NetTV show it in Nepal, and NetTV carries it worldwide. Teams are confirmed at the toss.

The Pokhara vs Karnali NPL 2026 playing XI most likely features Bhurtel and Kharel for Pokhara, while Islam and Dumre open for Karnali. Pokhara have more at stake after four losses, so expect them to stay with their trusted core and chase an opening win. Karnali’s extra edge is Miller, who can turn the match in the late overs.

Will Pokhara finally break their duck against Karnali, or will Miller steer the Yaks higher? Tell us in the comments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is the captain of Pokhara Avengers in NPL 2026?

Kushal Bhurtel captains Pokhara Avengers. He opens the batting and was part of the side that beat Karnali by 34 runs in December 2025 at their last meeting.

Which team leads the NPL 2026 points table?

Lumbini Lions lead the table with 7 points from five matches. Kathmandu follow with 6 points from four games, while Sudurpaschim also has 6 points after five matches.

What time does Pokhara Avengers against Karnali Yaks start?

The match starts at 12:30 Nepal time on 9 November. That equals 12:15 in India and 06:45 GMT, so overseas fans can plan around an early afternoon start.

Where can fans watch Pokhara Avengers and Karnali Yaks?

HTN and NetTV broadcast the match in Nepal. NetTV also offers coverage worldwide, which suits fans who live outside the country and cannot tune in to HTN.

Who will play for Karnali Yaks today?

Karnali have not confirmed their eleven, since the toss has not been held. The projected order has Islam, Dumre, Talat and Miller at the top, with Kami as captain.

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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