Lumbini Lions will field first against Biratnagar Kings in Saturday’s Nepal Premier League match after captain Rohit Paudel won the toss and elected to bowl at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.

Lumbini have already secured a playoff berth and will qualify for the Qualifier as the top-placed team if they win this match. Biratnagar, meanwhile, must win to keep their hopes of reaching the playoffs alive.

Lumbini are second in the standings with nine points. A victory over Biratnagar would take them past Sudurpaschim Royals, who have 10 points, and secure top spot.

A win would take Biratnagar to eight points and lift them to fourth place. However, their playoff fate also depends on the result of the match between Chitwan Rhinos and Karnali Yaks. If Chitwan beat Karnali, Biratnagar will be eliminated from the playoff race.

Lumbini have handed a debut to batting all-rounder Ali Sheikh, who plays in the United States. He replaces Shamim Hussain.

Biratnagar have made two changes, bringing in Shubham Ranjane and Sujan Thapaliya in place of Angelo Mathews and Pratis GC.