Kathmandu Gurkhas take on defending champions Lumbini Lions in Match 18 of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2026 on Saturday, November 7, at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.

Both teams are in good form. Kathmandu Gurkhas won their last match by 9 wickets against Biratnagar Kings, while Lumbini Lions have won all three of their completed matches, including a 16-run win over Janakpur Bolts in Match 14. The two teams also met in the playoffs last season, when Lumbini won the Eliminator on their way to the NPL 2025 title.

The match is scheduled for 5:00 PM Nepal Standard Time (NST). Fans can follow team updates, live score, playing XI announcements, and live-score information ahead of the first ball.

Kathmandu Gurkhas vs Lumbini Lions Match Details

Match: Kathmandu Gurkhas vs Lumbini Lions

Match Number: 18th Match

Tournament: Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League 2026

Date: Saturday, November 7, 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: Kathmandu Gurkhas vs Lumbini Lions

Kathmandu Gurkhas lost their opening match to Janakpur Bolts by 8 wickets, then beat Karnali Yaks by 4 wickets, chasing 181 with 183/6 in 19.5 overs. In their last match they bowled Biratnagar Kings out for 83 and chased 84 in 9.4 overs, with David Warner scoring 44 off 24 balls. Santosh Yadav took 3/11 and was named Player of the Match. Karan KC leads the side.

Lumbini Lions began their title defence with a 7-wicket win over Sudurpaschim Royals, then beat Pokhara Avengers by 8 wickets after bowling them out for 97. In Match 14 they beat Janakpur Bolts by 16 runs, defending 149/8. Captain Rohit Kumar Paudel scored 38 off 31 balls and was Player of the Match, and D'Arcy Short took 3/23.

The head-to-head record favors Kathmandu. They won by 18 runs in 2024 and by 22 runs in the 2025 league stage, but Lumbini won the 2025 Eliminator by 4 wickets. The match could come down to the powerplay and how both sides handle the middle overs.

Kathmandu Gurkhas vs Lumbini Lions Predicted Playing XI

Kathmandu Gurkhas are expected to be led by Karan KC, with David Warner opening after his 44 against Biratnagar Kings. William Bosisto, Sahil Patel, Rashid Khan, and Jahandad Khan are options in the batting order. Santosh Yadav, Sahan Arachchige, Ripon Mondol, and Shahab Alam provide bowling options.

Lumbini Lions are expected to open with Aasif Sheikh and D'Arcy Short, with Niroshan Dickwella and Rohit Kumar Paudel in the top order. Dilip Nath, Shamim Hossain, and Sundeep Jora add depth. The bowling attack could feature overseas player Ruben Trumpelmann, along with Sher Malla, Tilak Bhandari, and Kishor Mahato.

Pitch Report: TU Cricket Ground, Kirtipur

Scores at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground have varied a lot in NPL 2026. In the 15 completed 20-over matches so far, first-innings totals have ranged from 83 to 186, with an average of about 140. The team batting second has won 8 of those matches, and the team batting first has won 7.

That means the toss decision may not decide the match, but a total of around 150 has been competitive. Match 8 at this ground was reduced to five overs a side, so a weather update should be checked closer to the start.

Kathmandu Gurkhas vs Lumbini Lions Match 

This is expected to be a close contest between two teams in good form. Lumbini Lions have the advantage of being defending champions and have won all three of their completed matches this season. Kathmandu Gurkhas have the better head-to-head record, a settled batting lineup around Warner, and momentum from a 9-wicket win.

Lumbini Lions have a slight edge because of their consistency, but Kathmandu Gurkhas have the quality to cause an upset. 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.

Kathmandu Gurkhas 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 7, 2026

Scheduled start: 5:00 PM NST

Start times 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:

Kathmandu Gurkhas 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 18: What to Expect

This match brings together two teams that have started the tournament well. Lumbini Lions will aim to stay unbeaten in their title defence, while Kathmandu Gurkhas will look to carry the form from their 9-wicket win and continue climbing the table.

With the league stage running until November 15, a win could help either team in the race for a top-four place. 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 Kathmandu Gurkhas 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.