First Against Second, and Two Winning Runs: Friday Afternoon at Kirtipur

This is the top of the table. Kathmandu Gorkhas lead with eight points from five games and the best net run rate of the top two (+1.168). After losing to Janakpur early on, they have won four in a row, beating Lumbini by 36 runs and then Chitwan by 10 on Monday. Sudurpaschim Royals also have eight points, from six games, and have won their last three, the latest a 27-run win over Janakpur on Tuesday after making only 120 for 9. Scott Kuggeleijn took 3 for 13 that night and Janakpur were all out for 93. The Royals know how to defend a small total; the Gorkhas know how to win when their big names fire.

The early game at Kirtipur has usually been a lower-scoring one, and 150 to 160 has often been enough. Kathmandu's batting has been led by David Warner, who made 66 against Lumbini, and Rashid Khan, whose 52 off 30 balls set up the win over Chitwan. Jahandad Khan took 4 for 23 against Lumbini. For the Royals, Brandon McMullen (33 on Tuesday) and captain Dipendra Singh Airee are the batters to watch, and every bowler took a wicket against Janakpur.

A possible Gorkhas XI, based on their last game: Sahil Patel (wk), David Warner, William Bosisto, Rashid Khan, Sahan Arachchige, Jahandad Khan, Karan KC (c), Mohammad Aadil Alam, Bhim Sharki, Santosh Yadav, Ganesh Gautam. A possible Royals XI: Saif Zaib, Binod Bhandari (wk), Brandon McMullen, Ishan Pandey, Dipendra Singh Airee (c), Tharindu Ratnayake, Aarif Sheikh, Scott Kuggeleijn, Anil Kharel, Hemant Dhami, Abinash Bohara. Either side may make changes.