Lumbini Lions vs Chitwan Rhinos
NPL 2026 Match 5 - Battle for Supremacy
The Lumbini Lions vs Chitwan Rhinos fixture is Match 5 of Nepal Premier League 2026 and is listed for November 20 at TU Ground, Kirtipur. Season 3 gives both sides an early chance to build momentum in the league table. Fans following the match should check confirmed broadcast, streaming, squads, and weather details close to game day.
NPL 2026 Match 5 Preview
The Nepal Premier League 2026 began on November 17 and will continue until December 13. Eight teams compete in a round-robin format, where each team plays seven matches before the playoffs. The top four teams then move to the qualifier and eliminator rounds. This format keeps the league competitive and exciting. The tournament includes talented Nepali players and skilled overseas stars. Fans often see surprising results and high-scoring matches. The organizers are working to improve cricket standards in Nepal, supported by sponsors like Siddhartha Bank. Most games are played at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, which offers good facilities. Broadcasters and streaming partners help fans around the world follow the event. Live score apps also make it easier for people to stay updated. The success of the first season, where Janakpur Bolts became champions, raised expectations for this year's matches.
Date, Time, and Venue
The Lumbini Lions vs Chitwan Rhinos match will take place on November 20, 2026, and it is the fifth match of the season. The game starts at 4:00 PM Nepal Time, which is 3:45 PM IST. Fans watching from other countries will need to convert the time according to their region. The match will be held at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, a well-known cricket venue in Nepal. The stadium has a good seating capacity, giving fans a lively atmosphere. The pitch usually helps batsmen at the start but becomes helpful for spinners as the game goes on. The weather forecast suggests clear skies and a temperature of around 20°C. Light winds may affect swing bowling, but overall conditions look good. Fans planning to watch the match live should expect traffic near the stadium. Health and safety measures will be applied at the entrance to ensure a smooth and safe experience.
Recent Form and Head-to-Head
Chitwan Rhinos enter this match with confidence after winning their opening game against Karnali Yaks by four wickets. They chased 167 runs with strong batting performances. Overseas player Ravi Bopara played an important role in the victory. On the other side, Lumbini Lions will be playing their first match of the season, which means they start fresh with no previous results. Last year, both teams were competitive but were unable to reach the playoffs. In past matchups, Lumbini has a slight advantage, but T20 cricket often brings unpredictable results. Chitwan's recent win gives them momentum, while Lumbini's balanced squad makes them strong contenders. Injuries are minimal for both teams, and new squad changes may influence the outcome. Chitwan's bowling looks stronger, while Lumbini depends on all-round performance from their key players.
Team Squads
Both teams have strong squads with a mix of experienced players and young talent.
| Team | Batsmen / All-rounders | Bowlers / Wicket-keepers |
|---|---|---|
| Chitwan Rhinos | Kushal Malla (C), Arjun Saud, Dev Khanal, Ravi Bopara, Saif Zaib, Dawid Malan | Sohail Tanvir, Gautam KC, Deepak Bohara, Bipin Acharya, Bipin Rawal (WK) |
| Lumbini Lions | Rohit Paudel (C), Sundeep Jora, Gulbadin Naib, D'Arcy Short, JJ Smit | Ruben Trumpelmann, Thomas Draca, Tilak Bhandari, Durgesh Gupta, Dilip Nath (WK) |
These squads give the teams the ability to change their strategies depending on conditions. Coaches will choose the best playing eleven after checking pitch and weather. Rotating players also keeps the teams fresh as the tournament moves forward.
Key Players to Watch
Many players could make a big impact in this match.
Chitwan Rhinos Key Players
Lumbini Lions Key Players
Young player Sundeep Jora is another rising name to watch. The wicket-keepers, especially Bipin Rawal, play a key role in fielding and keeping catches safe.
Match Prediction
Expert analysis and predictions for the NPL 2026 fifth match.
Expert Analysis
If Chitwan's batting starts well, they can challenge Lumbini strongly. Analysts still expect Lumbini Lions to win by a small margin. Overall, fans can expect a competitive and thrilling T20 match.
Venue and Conditions
Detailed information about the match venue and playing conditions.
Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur
Live Streaming Options
Complete guide to watching Lumbini Lions vs Chitwan Rhinos live from anywhere in the world.
Points Table Update
Current standings in the Nepal Premier League 2026 as of November 19, 2026.
| Position | Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | Points | Net Run Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Biratnagar Kings | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | +2.650 |
| 2 | Chitwan Rhinos | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | +0.200 |
| 3 | Kathmandu Gorkhas | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | +0.150 |
| 4 | Sudurpaschim Royals | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 |
| 5 | Janakpur Bolts | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | -0.150 |
| 6 | Karnali Yaks | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | -0.200 |
| 7 | Pokhara Avengers | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | -2.650 |
| 8 | Lumbini Lions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the match start?
The match starts at 4:00 PM Nepal Time on November 20, 2026.
Where can I watch the match in Nepal?
You can watch it on Kantipur Max HD or the DishHome GO app.
Who are the team captains?
Rohit Paudel leads Lumbini Lions, and Kushal Malla leads Chitwan Rhinos.
Who is expected to win?
Lumbini Lions are slight favorites, but Chitwan Rhinos could still win.
How many teams are in NPL 2026?
There are eight teams in the league.
What is the tournament format?
Eight teams play a round-robin format with seven matches each, followed by playoffs for the top four teams.
Final Thoughts
The fifth match of the Nepal Premier League 2026 between Lumbini Lions and Chitwan Rhinos promises to be an exciting encounter between two competitive teams. With Chitwan coming off a victory and Lumbini making their season debut, both teams will be eager to secure crucial points. The presence of international stars combined with local talent ensures high-quality cricket entertainment for fans worldwide. The conditions at Tribhuvan University Ground should provide a fair contest between bat and ball, making for an engaging spectacle under the lights. Cricket enthusiasts can look forward to an evening of thrilling T20 action as these two teams battle for supremacy in the NPL 2026.