Sudurpaschim Royals take on Pokhara Avengers in the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) on Wednesday, with Pokhara looking to make a winning start to their campaign.

Pokhara are playing their first match of the tournament, while Sudurpaschim are seeking to bounce back from a seven-wicket defeat by defending champions Lumbini Lions in their opening game. Sudurpaschim were bowled out for just 87 runs on Monday.

Sudurpaschim have reached the final in both previous editions but are yet to win the title. Pokhara, meanwhile, are the only team to have missed the playoffs in both seasons.

Pokhara, captained by Kushal Bhurtel, have former world No 1 all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan among their overseas recruits. The squad also includes Bangladeshis Mohammad Saifuddin and Mahedi Hasan, and Sri Lankans Dhananjaya Lakshan and Chamika Karunaratne.

On Wednesday, Pokhara announced the signing of Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Sadira Samararatne.

Sudurpaschim are led by Dipendra Singh Airee and feature several players with experience in Nepal’s national team, including Binod Bhandari, Aarif Sheikh and Ishan Pandey.

Their overseas contingent includes England-born all-rounder Saif Zaib, West Indies batter Sherfane Rutherford, Scotland’s Brandon McMullen and New Zealand fast bowler Scott Kuggeleijn.

Sudurpaschim also announced the signing of Sri Lankan cricketer Tharindu Ratnayake on Wednesday.