Two matches are scheduled for Tuesday in the third edition of the Nepal Premier League, with Biratnagar Kings taking on Chitwan Rhinos in the afternoon before Janakpur Bolts meet Karnali Yaks in the evening.

The first match at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur starts at 12:30pm, while the second is scheduled for 5pm.

Biratnagar and Chitwan renew rivalry

Biratnagar and Chitwan will both be looking to make a winning start. Biratnagar have a strong local core featuring Sandeep Lamichhane, Lokesh Bam, Basir Ahmad and Pratis GC. West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell and former Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews add considerable experience and firepower.

Coached by Dhammika Prasad, the side will also look to Charith Asalanka and Shubham Ranjane's all-round contributions to make an impact.

Chitwan, meanwhile, have promising young players including Dev Khanal, Arjun Saud, Kamal Singh Airee and Rijan Dhakal. Rabi Bopara and Sikandar Raza could provide stability in the middle order, while the bowling attack is expected to benefit from the presence of Usama Mir and Kaleem Sana in a team associated with former Pakistan bowler Sohail Tanvir.

The teams have split their two meetings across the first two editions, winning one match each. Biratnagar won the first encounter by 51 runs, posting 181 before restricting Chitwan to 130.

Chitwan returned the favour in the second edition, defeating Biratnagar while defending a target of 175. Biratnagar were dismissed for 116.

Chitwan reached the last four in the inaugural tournament, while Biratnagar qualified for the playoffs in the second edition. Both will be eager to find their rhythm early in this year's competition.

Janakpur and Karnali meet again

In Tuesday’s second match, inaugural champions Janakpur Bolts will face Karnali Yaks, with the former looking to turn their fortunes around after finishing bottom of the standings in the second edition.

Karnali, meanwhile, reached the top four in the inaugural tournament, finishing ahead of Kathmandu Gurkhas on net run rate. They will be keen to build on that performance and improve on last season, when the presence of Pakistani players failed to deliver the expected results.

The two sides have met three times in the NPL, with Janakpur winning twice and Karnali once.

Janakpur won their league-stage encounter in the inaugural edition by eight wickets, chasing Karnali’s target of 142 in just 15.1 overs for the loss of two wickets. They also defeated Karnali by two wickets in the qualifier that season.

Karnali got their revenge in the second edition, edging Janakpur by three runs to register their first win over the former champions.

Janakpur will be looking to rediscover the form that took them to the inaugural title, while Karnali will aim to build on last season’s victory and narrow the gap in their head-to-head record.