Sudurpaschim Royals vs Biratnagar Kings Prediction, Fantasy Tips & Dream11 Team | NPL 2026 Match 8
Sudurpaschim Royals will face Biratnagar Kings in Match 8 of NPL 2026 on Saturday, October 31, at 4:30 PM Nepal time. The match will be played at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
The two teams have a history of close contests. In NPL 2025, Biratnagar beat Sudurpaschim by six wickets in the league stage. However, the Royals bounced back in Qualifier 1, winning by 77 runs.
Both teams will have a busy week before this match. Sudurpaschim are scheduled to play on October 26 and 28, while Biratnagar will play on October 27 and 29.
Biratnagar Kings have several familiar faces in their NPL 2026 squad, along with some new additions. Sandeep Lamichhane remains the team's captain, while Lokesh Bam, Basir Ahamad, Narayan Joshi, Pratish GC, and Subash Bhandari are also part of the squad.
Sri Lanka's Charith Asalanka adds experience to the batting lineup as a batting all-rounder. The team has also added all-rounders Shubham Ranjane, Rupesh Kumar Singh, and Naren Saud, along with other domestic players through the auction. These new additions give Biratnagar more options with both bat and ball ahead of their match against the Sudurpaschim Royals.
Pre-match note
Match Details
| Match | Sudurpaschim Royals vs Biratnagar Kings |
| Tournament | NPL 2026 (Season 3) |
| Match | Match 8 |
| Date | October 31 |
| Time | 04:30 PM |
| Venue | Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, Kirtipur |
| Teams | Sudurpaschim Royals, Biratnagar Kings |
Sudurpaschim Royals vs Biratnagar Kings:
On paper, the Sudurpaschim Royals look like a settled team, with key players returning for NPL 2026. The Biratnagar Kings also have a strong group, led by captain Sandeep Lamichhane. Both teams have players who can make a difference with the bat and ball.
Biratnagar had a strong league stage in 2025, winning five of their seven matches and finishing second. However, they lost both playoff matches and ended the season in third place. They have retained six players: Sandeep Lamichhane, Basir Ahamad, Lokesh Bam, Narayan Joshi, Pratish GC, and Subash Bhandari. Charith Asalanka is one of the new additions to their 2026 squad.
Last season, Biratnagar beat Sudurpaschim in the league stage by chasing down the target in just 11.5 overs. Faf du Plessis scored 50 off 20 balls, while Sam Heazlett made 50 off 27 balls. Neither player appears in Biratnagar's current 2026 squad list, so the Kings will need other batters to step up this time.
Key matchups to watch
Sandeep Lamichhane vs. Sudurpaschim's top order: Lamichhane took 17 wickets in NPL 2025 and will be a key threat with the ball. The Royals' batters will need to handle his spin carefully.
Sudurpaschim's pace attack vs Lokesh Bam and Charith Asalanka: The Royals will look to put pressure on Biratnagar's batting lineup early. Bam and Asalanka could play important roles in building the innings.
Naren Saud against his former team: Saud is now part of the Biratnagar Kings' squad. His performance could be worth watching when the two sides meet.
Want to follow the match live? Check the Sudurpaschim Royals vs Biratnagar Kings 8th Match full scorecard for live scores, ball-by-ball commentary, toss details, and match updates.
Team News
Sudurpaschim Royals
Dipendra Singh Airee will captain Sudurpaschim Royals in NPL 2026. The team has retained key players, including Binod Bhandari, Aarif Sheikh, Ishan Pandey, Abinash Bohara, Hemant Dhami, and Hikmat Mahara.
The Royals have added Deepak Bohara, Milan Bohara, Tek Rawat, Anil Kharel, Sachin Bhatta, and Ayub Chand through the auction. Their overseas players include Saif Zaib, Scott Kuggeleijn, and Brandon McMullen.
Zaib was named Player of the Tournament in NPL 2024 after scoring 275 runs and taking 12 wickets. Kuggeleijn took 10 wickets in the 2025 season, while McMullen returns for NPL Season 3. The Royals will rely on their experienced players and new additions as they prepare for the 2026 campaign.
Biratnagar Kings
Sandeep Lamichhane will captain Biratnagar Kings in NPL 2026. The team retained six players: Lamichhane, Lokesh Bam, Basir Ahamad, Narayan Joshi, Pratish GC, and Subash Bhandari.
The Kings have added several players for the new season, including Charith Asalanka, Shubham Ranjane, Rupesh Kumar Singh, Naren Saud, Imran Sheikh, Dilsad Ali, Sujan Thapaliya, Aprajit Poudel, and Pratik Shrestha. Their new signings give the team more options in batting, bowling and all-round play.
Asalanka brings international experience to the middle order, while Ranjane offers an all-round option. Lamichhane will lead the bowling attack as Biratnagar looks to build on their strong league-stage performance in 2025.
Players to Watch
Dipendra Singh Airee – Sudurpaschim Royals
Abinash Bohara – Sudurpaschim Royals
Binod Bhandari – Sudurpaschim Royals
Kirtipur Pitch Report
The pitch conditions will play an important role in this match. If the surface offers early movement, the fast bowlers could have an advantage. If it becomes easier for batting, Biratnagar's middle order and Lamichhane's bowling in the middle overs could become key factors.
50%
Pace Bowling
50%
Spin Bowling
50%
Batting Pitch
150 - 165 runs
Average Score
50%
Bowling Pitch
If grass remains, pace bowlers gain value early. If it has worn, spinners like Lamichhane and Zaib gain value. Re-check after the toss.
Sudurpaschim Royals vs Biratnagar Kings: Head-to-Head NPL Record
| Matches played | 3 |
| Won by Sudurpaschim Royals | 2 |
| Won by Biratnagar Kings | 1 |
| Tied / No Results | — |
| First-ever fixture | December 3, 2024 (Sudurpaschim Royals won by 90 runs) |
| Most recent fixture | December 9, 2025, Qualifier 1 (Sudurpaschim Royals won by 77 runs) |
Sudurpaschim Royals vs Biratnagar Kings Prediction
Sudurpaschim Royals look stronger on paper because they have retained key players and kept their overseas core. Biratnagar Kings have quality players like Sandeep Lamichhane, Charith Asalanka, and Shubham Ranjane, but their new batting lineup will need to perform.
Both teams have a busy week, so squad depth and player form could make a difference.
Our prediction: Sudurpaschim Royals 58% – Biratnagar Kings 42%.
Fantasy Tips
Sudurpaschim Royals have several reliable fantasy options for this match. Dipendra Singh Airee and Saif Zaib can earn points with both bat and ball, while Binod Bhandari offers value as a wicketkeeper-batter.
For Biratnagar Kings, Sandeep Lamichhane is a key bowling pick, while Lokesh Bam and Charith Asalanka are options to consider in the batting lineup. Shubham Ranjane could be a useful differential pick because he can contribute with both bat and ball.
Safe Picks: Dipendra Singh Airee, Saif Zaib, Binod Bhandari, Abinash Bohara, Sandeep Lamichhane.
Differential Picks: Charith Asalanka, Shubham Ranjane, Lokesh Bam, Scott Kuggeleijn.
Choose your final team based on the confirmed playing XI, player roles, and pitch conditions. Most fantasy platforms also limit selections to seven players from one team, so check the rules before submitting your team.
Captain and Vice-Captain Picks
Captain: Sandeep Lamichhane
Vice-Captain: Dipendra Singh Airee
Final Prediction
Sudurpaschim Royals are favorites. Their retained core and settled overseas group outweigh Biratnagar’s squad turnover.
Best fantasy picks are Airee as captain and Lamichhane as vice-captain, with Shubham Ranjane as the differential. The main factor that could change this prediction is Lamichhane. A big spell from him could swing the match, as it did in the 2025 league meeting.
Predicted winner: Sudurpaschim Royals
Win probability:
- Sudurpaschim Royals – 58%
- Biratnagar Kings – 42%
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.