

Biratnagar Kings vs Chitwan Rhinos: Toss, Playing XI & Live Streaming
October 26, 2026
Biratnagar Kings enter the tournament with a squad built around Nepal leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, while Sri Lankan batter Charith Asalanka and all-rounder Shubham Ranjane add international experience. Chitwan Rhinos, meanwhile, have a mix of established domestic players and overseas options, including experienced English cricketer Ravi Bopara and Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza.
The match is scheduled to begin at 12:30 PM Nepal Standard Time (NPT). The toss and confirmed playing XIs will provide the first clear indication of each team's approach to the opening fixture.
Match Number: 2nd Match
Tournament: Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League 2026
Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Time: 12:30 PM NPT
Venue: Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur
Format: T20
Live Score: Follow NPL Live Scores
Full Schedule: NPL 2026 Schedule
Live Streaming: How to Watch NPL 2026
Biratnagar Kings will be looking for a positive start after preparing for the season with a training camp and practice matches in India. Their bowling attack could be a major strength, particularly if captain Sandeep Lamichhane is available for selection. His leg-spin and experience in pressure situations could prove valuable during the middle overs.
The Kings also have several batting options capable of changing the pace of an innings. Charith Asalanka brings international experience and left-handed batting to the middle order, while Shubham Ranjane offers an additional all-round option. The challenge will be to build partnerships and avoid losing wickets in clusters.
Chitwan Rhinos have their own reasons to be confident. Captain Kushal Malla is an important part of their batting plans, while Dev Khanal and wicketkeeper-batter Arjun Saud provide further domestic options. Ravi Bopara's experience in franchise cricket could help Chitwan handle difficult periods, and Sikandar Raza adds versatility if selected.
For Chitwan, the key question will be whether their batters can handle Biratnagar's spin options without allowing the scoring rate to fall too far. Biratnagar, on the other hand, will need to contain Chitwan's experienced middle order and make the most of the powerplay.
Sandeep Lamichhane is the team's captain and one of its most important bowling options. Charith Asalanka is a notable overseas signing, while Shubham Ranjane provides batting depth and all-round flexibility. Lokesh Bam and other retained domestic players could also have important roles.
Lamichhane's availability and the balance between spin and pace will be worth watching when the official team sheet is announced.
For the latest player information, visit the Biratnagar Kings squad and player profiles.
Kushal Malla leads Chitwan Rhinos, who have retained several players from their previous campaign. Dev Khanal, Arjun Saud, Rijan Dhakal, and Kamal Singh Airee are among the domestic players in the squad. Overseas signings Ravi Bopara, Sikandar Raza, and Kaleem Sana add experience in batting and bowling.
The final combination will depend on player availability, the conditions, and the team's decision at the toss.
See the full NPL 2026 teams and squads for squad updates.
The following are possible combinations based on the available squad information. They are predictions, not confirmed selections.
Biratnagar Kings (predicted): Lokesh Bam, an additional opening batter, Charith Asalanka, Shubham Ranjane, Basir Ahamad, Sandeep Lamichhane, and other available batting and bowling options from the squad.
Chitwan Rhinos (predicted): Arjun Saud, an additional opening batter, Kushal Malla, Dev Khanal, Ravi Bopara, Sikandar Raza, and other available bowling and all-round options from the squad.
The exact batting order and remaining positions should be updated only after the official playing XIs are announced. Avoid treating a predicted lineup as a confirmed team sheet.
Lamichhane's leg-spin could be particularly important in the middle overs. If he can take wickets while restricting the scoring rate, Biratnagar may be able to put pressure on Chitwan's middle order.
Asalanka brings international batting experience and the ability to accelerate once settled. His role in the middle order could be crucial if Biratnagar loses early wickets or needs a strong finish.
Bopara is an experienced T20 batter who can also contribute with the ball. His ability to adapt to the match situation makes him an important player for Chitwan.
Raza offers a combination of aggressive batting and useful off-spin. His contribution in either inning could influence the balance of the contest, subject to his selection.
The Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur hosts the second match of NPL 2026. The surface, the amount of grass, and the weather on match day will help determine whether batting first or chasing is the better option.
The early overs could offer opportunities for seamers, while spinners may become important as the innings develops. Batters who rotate the strike and choose their attacking options carefully could find it easier to build a competitive total.
There is not yet a verified match-day pitch assessment or confirmed weather report in this preview. The toss and conditions should be considered before making a final judgment about the best approach.
This looks like a competitive opening fixture, with both sides possessing experienced players and different strengths.
The Biratnagar Kings may have an advantage if their spin attack controls the middle overs. Chitwan Rhinos have enough all-round quality and batting experience to challenge them, particularly if their top order gets off to a strong start.
Prediction: Biratnagar Kings have a slight edge, mainly because of their bowling options and the presence of Sandeep Lamichhane. However, this is a pre-match assessment, not a confirmed outcome. The toss, final playing XI, and match conditions could change the balance.
For additional pre-match analysis, see our Biratnagar Kings vs Chitwan Rhinos prediction and fantasy tips.
Fans can check the available NPL 2026 broadcast options before the match begins.
Television in Nepal: Himalaya Sports
Online streaming: NetTV
Match date: October 27, 2026
Scheduled start: 12:30 PM NPT
For platform access, regional availability, and viewing details, visit our NPL 2026 live streaming guide.
The toss and official playing XIs should be added when they are confirmed on match day.
Toss winner: To be updated.
Decision: To be updated.
Biratnagar Kings Playing XI: To be confirmed.
Chitwan Rhinos Playing XI: To be confirmed.
Do not publish a toss winner or batting decision until the information has been verified. Follow the NPL live score page for match progress and score updates.
The Biratnagar Kings vs Chitwan Rhinos contest offers an early look at how two squads with experienced overseas players and promising domestic talent have prepared for Season 3.
Biratnagar will hope their bowling attack can make an early impact, while Chitwan will look to use their batting depth and all-round options to put together a complete performance. A strong start could provide valuable momentum for either team in a short league-stage campaign.
Check the NPL 2026 schedule for upcoming fixtures and the NPL 2026 points table for standings when results begin to come in.
Stay with NPLT20League.com for match updates, confirmed playing XI, predictions, results, and NPL Season 3 news.
The match is scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
The scheduled start time is 12:30 PM Nepal Standard Time.
The match will take place at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Nepal.
Himalaya Sports is listed as the television broadcaster in Nepal, while NetTV is listed as an online streaming option. Check the NPL live streaming guide for the latest access details.
Biratnagar Kings have a slight pre-match edge because of their bowling options, but Chitwan Rhinos have the players to make this a close contest. The prediction may change after the toss and confirmed team selections.

Written by the NPL T20 Team — cricket writers and editors covering the Nepal Premier League 2026. We share match reports, player profiles, points table updates, venue guides, and fantasy tips, verified through official and local sources.