KATHMANDU: Two matches are scheduled for Thursday in the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), with Janakpur Bolts taking on Kathmandu Gorkhas in the afternoon before Karnali Yaks face Biratnagar Kings in the evening.

The first match between Janakpur Bolts and Kathmandu Gorkhas will be played at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur at 12:30 pm.

Kathmandu Gorkhas will begin their NPL campaign with the match, while Janakpur will be looking to bounce back after losing their opening game to Karnali Yaks by 19 runs.

Janakpur were bowled out for 113 in 19.3 overs while chasing Karnali’s 132-run target. The team will be aiming for a stronger batting performance against Kathmandu.

The second match of the day will see Karnali Yaks meet Biratnagar Kings at the same venue at 4:30 pm.

Karnali enter the contest with confidence after defeating Janakpur in their opening match. Biratnagar, meanwhile, suffered an eight-run defeat against Chitwan Rhinos in their first game and will be seeking their first victory of the tournament.

Karnali will be led by Sompal Kami, while Biratnagar Kings will be captained by Sandeep Lamichhane. Janakpur will be led by American bowling all-rounder Harmeet Singh, with Karan KC leading Kathmandu Gorkhas.

Both matches are expected to draw significant attention as teams look to strengthen their positions early in the league. The 2026 NPL features eight franchise teams competing in a single round-robin league stage, with 28 league matches scheduled before the playoffs.