Kathmandu Gurkhas vs Lumbini Lions Prediction, Fantasy Tips & Dream11 Team | NPL 2026 Match 18
Kathmandu Gurkhas take on defending champions Lumbini Lions in the 18th match of the Nepal Premier League 2026 at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, on Saturday, 7 November 2026 (day/night, expected to start around 5:00 PM NPT).
Lumbini entered as the 2025 title holders, while Kathmandu finished fourth last season and reached the playoffs. Their head-to-head stands at 2-1 in favor of Kathmandu’s across three previous meetings at this venue, including Lumbini’s Eliminator win in December 2025. With the league stage still developing, this fixture offers both sides a chance to strengthen their points and net run rate.
Pre-match note
This preview was prepared before the start of the tournament and before the toss. Official playing XIs have not been confirmed. Readers should check the latest Cricket Association of Nepal and franchise announcements for final squads, batting orders and any late availability updates before finalizing fantasy teams.
Match Details
| Match | Kathmandu Gurkhas vs Lumbini Lions |
| Tournament | NPL 2026 (Season 3) |
| Match | Match 18 |
| Date | November 07 |
| Time | 04:30 PM |
| Venue | Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, Kirtipur |
| Teams | Kathmandu Gurkhas, Lumbini Lions |
Kathmandu Gurkhas vs Lumbini Lions:
Kathmandu Gurkhas enter under captain Karan KC and coach Monty Desai. They have retained a strong domestic core that includes Shahab Alam, Bhim Sharki, and Mohammad Aadil Alam, while adding high-profile overseas players David Warner, KS Bharat, and Rashid Khan.
Lumbini Lions, captained by Rohit Paudel, are the defending champions. They retained key domestic all-rounders such as Sher Malla and Dinesh Adhikari and added overseas options including Niroshan Dickwella, D’Arcy Short, Ruben Trumpelmann, and Shadley van Schalkwyk.
In their three prior NPL meetings (all at Kirtipur), Kathmandu won the first two (by 18 runs in 2024 and 22 runs in November 2025), while Lumbini won the most recent — the 2025 Eliminator — by 4 wickets while chasing 112. Both sides have upgraded their overseas contingents since those games, making this a higher-quality contest on a balanced Kirtipur surface.
Team News
Kathmandu Gurkhas
Karan KC leads a side that finished fourth in 2025 and reached the playoffs. The addition of David Warner gives them a high-quality top-order option, supported by domestic batters such as Bhim Sharki and Mohammad Aadil Alam. Bowling strength centers on Shahab Alam’s left-arm spin (one of the leading wicket-takers in 2025), Karan KC’s pace, and the mystery of Rashid Khan. The combination of experienced overseas batting and a spin-heavy attack suits Kirtipur conditions, though middle-order depth will depend on how the new overseas players settle into roles.
Lumbini Lions
Rohit Paudel captains the defending champions, who retained key domestic all-rounders, including Sher Malla and Dinesh Adhikari. Overseas options include Niroshan Dickwella (wicketkeeper-batter), D’Arcy Short, Ruben Trumpelmann, and the recently signed Shadley van Schalkwyk. Lumbini’s 2025 success was built on balance—strong all-round contributions and effective death bowling. Their ability to chase and defend has been proven, though they will need their top order (including Short and Dickwella) to provide platforms if conditions favor spin in the middle overs.
Players to Watch
Rohit Paudel – Lumbini Lions
David Warner – Kathmandu Gurkhas
Sher Malla – Lumbini Lions
Karan KC – Kathmandu Gurkhas
Kirtipur Pitch Report
The Tribhuvan University ground at Kirtipur has produced balanced T20 conditions in previous NPL seasons. First-innings scores have typically ranged between 145 and 170. The surface offers true bounce and a relatively quick outfield that aids stroke-play, while the elevation (around 1,330 m) helps lofted shots carry. Spin can gain more grip as evening temperatures drop in a day-night fixture starting around 5:00 PM. Pace bowlers have historically taken a higher share of wickets, but disciplined cutters, slower balls, and spin remain effective through the middle overs. Conditions are expected to remain fair for batting early, with gradual assistance for spin later.
55%
Pace Bowling
35%
Spin Bowling
60%
Batting Pitch
155 - 170 runs
Average Score
40%
Bowling Pitch
Day-night fixtures at this venue often see a slight shift toward spin in the second innings as the surface cools. Teams that win the toss have mixed results; some prefer to chase under lights once the pitch settles. Neither extreme batting nor extreme bowling conditions are anticipated. A total in the 155-170 range is likely to be competitive.
Kathmandu Gurkhas vs Lumbini Lions: Head-to-Head NPL Record
| Matches played | 3 |
| Won by Kathmandu Gurkhas | 2 |
| Won by Lumbini Lions | 1 |
| Tied / No Results | — |
| First-ever fixture | 11 December 2024 (Kathmandu Gurkhas won by 18 runs) |
| Most recent fixture | 10 December 2025 (Lumbini Lions won by 4 wickets) |
All three previous meetings were played at Kirtipur. Kathmandu won the first two encounters (103 vs 85 in 2024 and 157/8 vs 135 in November 2025). Lumbini won the most recent meeting — the 2025 Eliminator — by 4 wickets while chasing 112. The record favors Kathmandu overall, but Lumbini’s latest win came in a knockout setting.
Kathmandu Gurkhas vs Lumbini Lions Prediction
Lumbini Lions hold a narrow edge as defending champions with a more settled all-round core. Their combination of Rohit Paudel, Sher Malla, Ruben Trumpelmann, and the overseas batting options (Short/Dickwella) gives them multiple ways to control both innings. Kathmandu’s David Warner signing and spin options (Shahab Alam and Rashid Khan) make them dangerous, especially if the surface grips in the middle overs.
The contest is likely to be decided in the middle overs. An early breakthrough against Warner or a strong partnership involving Paudel could swing the result. Because the tournament has not yet begun, this assessment is based on squad composition, previous NPL form and venue trends rather than current-season results.
Our prediction: Kathmandu Gurkhas 46% – Lumbini Lions 54%.
Fantasy Tips
Prioritise all-rounders who can earn points with both bat and ball. Kirtipur conditions reward players who can contribute across phases. Top-order batters with powerplay opportunity and spinners expected to bowl middle overs carry value.
Safe picks are players with clear, high-opportunity roles. Differentials are lower-ownership options that can outperform if conditions favor spin or if the popular all-rounders have quiet games. Adjust the team after the official playing XI and toss are announced.
Safe Fantasy Picks
- Rohit Paudel (Lumbini Lions)
- Karan KC (Kathmandu Gurkhas)
- Shahab Alam (Kathmandu Gurkhas)
- Sher Malla (Lumbini Lions)
Higher-Risk, Higher-Reward Picks
- David Warner (Kathmandu Gurkhas)
- Rashid Khan (Kathmandu Gurkhas)
- Ruben Trumpelmann (Lumbini Lions)
Dream11 Team for KAG vs LUL
Wicketkeepers
- Aasif Sheikh (Lumbini Lions)
Batters
- David Warner (Kathmandu Gurkhas)
- Bhim Sharki (Kathmandu Gurkhas)
- D’Arcy Short (Lumbini Lions)
All-rounders
- Rohit Paudel (Lumbini Lions)
- Sher Malla (Lumbini Lions)
Bowlers
- Shahab Alam (Kathmandu Gurkhas)
- Ruben Trumpelmann (Lumbini Lions)
- Rashid Khan (Kathmandu Gurkhas)
- Karan KC (Kathmandu Gurkhas)
Captain Picks
Captain pick: Rohit Paudel
Captain pick: Karan KC
Final Prediction
Lumbini Lions are slight favourites as defending champions with superior all-round balance, but the margin is small. Kathmandu’s Warner signing and spin attack keep the contest close.
Predicted winner: Lumbini Lions
Win probability:
- Kathmandu Gurkhas – 46%
- Lumbini Lions – 54%
NPL T20 Team
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.