Karnali Yaks will face defending champions Lumbini Lions in Match 23 of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2026 on Thursday, November 12, at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.

Lumbini Lions lead the table with seven points but lost their unbeaten run to Kathmandu Gurkhas by 36 runs in Match 18. Karnali Yaks have lost three matches in a row, the latest a 63-run defeat to the Pokhara Avengers, and with four points from five matches, they need a win to stay in the playoff race. Karnali won both previous NPL meetings between the two teams.

The match is scheduled for 5:00 PM Nepal Standard Time (NST), the second game of a double header.

Karnali Yaks vs Lumbini Lions Match Details

Match: Karnali Yaks vs Lumbini Lions

Match Number: 23rd Match

Tournament: Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League 2026

Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026

Time: 5:00 PM NST (confirm against the latest official fixture)

Venue: Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur

Format: T20

Live Score: Follow NPL Live Scores

Live Streaming: NPL 2026 Live Streaming Guide

Match Preview: Karnali Yaks vs Lumbini Lions

Karnali Yaks started with wins over Janakpur Bolts (by 19 runs) and Biratnagar Kings (by 4 wickets), then lost to Kathmandu Gurkhas by 4 wickets, Sudurpaschim Royals by 39 runs and Pokhara Avengers by 63 runs. David Miller scored an unbeaten 93 against Sudurpaschim, but Karnali were bowled out for 154 chasing 218 against Pokhara, with Pawan Sarraf making 32, Ariful Islam 24 and Deepak Dumre 22. Sompal Kami leads the side and took 2/24 in that match.

Lumbini Lions beat Sudurpaschim Royals by 7 wickets, had their match with Chitwan Rhinos abandoned because of rain, beat Pokhara Avengers by 8 wickets and Janakpur Bolts by 16 runs, and then lost to Kathmandu Gurkhas by 36 runs. In that defeat they were bowled out for 124 chasing 161, with Sundeep Jora scoring 44. Rohit Paudel leads the side, and Ruben Trumpelmann, Sher Malla, D'Arcy Short and Niroshan Dickwella have been key players.

Karnali Yaks have won both NPL meetings with Lumbini. In 2024 they won by 5 runs, and in 2025 they won by 9 wickets, with Mark Watt scoring the fastest century in NPL history off 41 balls. The match could come down to whether Lumbini's bowlers can contain Karnali's top order and whether Karnali's batters can handle Trumpelmann and Malla.

Karnali Yaks vs Lumbini Lions Predicted Playing XI

Karnali Yaks are expected to be led by Sompal Kami, with Ariful Islam and Deepak Dumre at the top. Pawan Sarraf, Gulshan Jha, Mark Watt and David Miller add depth, while Hussain Talat, Nandan Yadav, Unish Thakuri and Surya Tamang provide bowling and all-round options.

Lumbini Lions are expected to be led by Rohit Paudel, with Aasif Sheikh and D'Arcy Short opening, and Niroshan Dickwella, Sundeep Jora and Dilip Nath in the middle order. The bowling attack could feature Ruben Trumpelmann, Sher Malla, Tilak Bhandari, Abhishesh Gautam and Kishor Mahato, with Shamim Hossain as an all-round option.

Pitch Report: TU Cricket Ground, Kirtipur

Scores at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground have varied a lot in NPL 2026. In the 18 completed 20-over matches up to Match 20, the teams batting first have won 10 and the teams batting second have won 8. First-innings totals up to Match 19 ranged from 83 to 217.

Rain has affected play at this ground. Match 7 was abandoned because of rain, and Match 8 was reduced to five overs a side, so the weather forecast should be checked closer to the 5:00 PM start. A reliable match-day pitch assessment should be added once current conditions are available.

Karnali Yaks vs Lumbini Lions Match Prediction

Lumbini Lions have a slight edge. They lead the table, have won three of their five matches, and have a bowling attack that has restricted teams to low totals. Karnali Yaks have won both previous meetings and have the match-winners to threaten any total, but they have lost three in a row and were bowled out for 154 in their last match.

If Lumbini's bowlers take early wickets, they should win. If Karnali's top order gets a strong start and Miller or Watt can finish, the Yaks can end their losing run. The toss, confirmed playing XIs and conditions on the day could change the balance between the teams. This prediction is a pre-match assessment, not a confirmed result.

Karnali Yaks vs Lumbini Lions Live Streaming: Where to Watch

Cricket fans can check the official broadcast and online streaming options before the match.

TV in Nepal: Himalaya Sports

Online streaming: NetTV

Match date: November 12, 2026

Scheduled start: 5:00 PM NST

Start time in other countries: 4:45 PM IST in India, 4:15 PM PKT in Pakistan, 5:15 PM BST in Bangladesh, 3:15 PM GST in the UAE and 11:15 AM GMT in the UK.

No official free stream has been announced. NetTV runs a paid pass, and the Cricket Association of Nepal set maximum prices of Rs 400 in Nepal, Rs 600 in Gulf countries and $10 in other countries. For viewing details and access information, visit our NPL 2026 live streaming guide.

Availability and access conditions may vary by location and platform.

Playing XI: When Will Teams Be Confirmed?

The official playing XIs are expected to be announced after the toss. Until the teams are confirmed, predicted lineups should not be presented as official selections.

Update this section on match day:

Karnali Yaks Playing XI: To be confirmed.

Lumbini Lions Playing XI: To be confirmed.

Toss Winner: To be confirmed.

Decision: To be confirmed.

Follow our NPL Live Scores page for match progress and score updates.

NPL 2026 Match 23: What to Expect

This match brings together the table leaders and a team under pressure. Lumbini Lions will aim to get back to winning ways and stay at the top, while Karnali Yaks will look to end their three-match losing run and revive their playoff hopes.

With the league stage running until November 15, every point now matters. For upcoming fixtures, visit the NPL 2026 Schedule. Return to this article for confirmed toss information, playing XIs and match updates.

Where can I follow the live score?

Visit NPLT20League.com Live Scores or the Karnali Yaks vs Lumbini Lions match page for score updates and match information.

Stay with NPLT20League.com for NPL 2026 match previews, playing XI updates, predictions, live streaming information, and live-score coverage.