Kathmandu, November 8
Eighteen matches have been completed in the league stage of the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), with only 10 games remaining before the top four teams qualify for the playoffs.
The tournament began on October 26, and 18 matches had been played by November 7. No matches will be held on Sunday, as it coincides with Laxmi Puja. Wednesday, the day of Bhai Tika, will also be a rest day. The remaining 10 matches will be played on other days, with all 28 league-stage games scheduled to conclude by next Sunday.
Among the eight teams, Lumbini Lions currently lead the standings with seven points. Kathmandu Gorkhas are second with six points from four matches, while Sudurpaschim Royals are third with six points from five games. Chitwan Rhinos occupy fourth place with five points from four matches.
Janakpur Bolts, Karnali Yaks and Biratnagar Kings are also in the playoff race with four points each. Pokhara Avengers, who have played four matches, are yet to earn a point.
With only 10 league matches remaining, the playoff picture is gradually taking shape. Every remaining game will be crucial, and the results could significantly alter the top-four standings. Two teams are currently on odd points, adding another dimension to the competition.
Here is a look at each team’s remaining fixtures and its position in the playoff race.
Lumbini Lions
Lumbini suffered their first defeat of the tournament on Saturday but remain at the top of the table with seven points from five matches. They have won three games, while one match ended without a result. Lumbini have two matches remaining, against Karnali Yaks and Biratnagar Kings.
Winning both games would take Lumbini to 11 points. Even one victory would give them nine points. Their immediate objective will be to secure a playoff place while maintaining their position near the top of the standings.
However, losing both remaining matches would leave their qualification dependent on the results of other teams.
Matches remaining: 2 | Playoff chances: 60%
Kathmandu Gorkhas
Kathmandu are second in the standings with six points from four matches, having won three and lost one. They have three fixtures remaining against Chitwan Rhinos, Sudurpaschim Royals and Pokhara Avengers.
Winning all three matches would take Kathmandu to 12 points and could put them in contention for the top spot. Two victories would give them 10 points.
Kathmandu therefore have an opportunity not only to secure a playoff berth but also to challenge for the top position in the league stage.
If they win all three matches, it would also deal a setback to Chitwan and Sudurpaschim’s playoff hopes.
Matches remaining: 3 | Playoff chances: 60%
Sudurpaschim Royals
After dominating the league stage in the first two editions, Sudurpaschim have had a relatively different campaign this time. They are third with six points from five matches, having won three games. They have two matches remaining, against Janakpur Bolts and Kathmandu Gorkhas.
Both fixtures will have implications for Sudurpaschim as well as their opponents’ playoff prospects.
Two wins would take Sudurpaschim to 10 points. A single victory would give them eight points, which may not be enough to guarantee qualification.
The results of their remaining matches will be particularly important. Their clash against Kathmandu could also influence which team finishes higher in the standings.
Matches remaining: 2 | Playoff chances: 50%
Chitwan Rhinos
Chitwan are fourth with five points from four matches, having recorded two wins, one defeat and one tie. They have three matches remaining against Kathmandu, Janakpur and Karnali.
Winning all three games would take Chitwan to 11 points, while two victories would give them nine points. Although they are currently in the top four, their position is far from secure.
A strong finish could even put them in contention for a higher position in the standings.
Matches remaining: 3 | Playoff chances: 50%
Janakpur Bolts
Janakpur are fifth with four points from five matches, having won two and lost three. They have two matches remaining against Sudurpaschim and Chitwan.
Winning both games would take Janakpur to eight points. A single victory would leave them with six.
Both remaining fixtures are therefore crucial. Even if they win both, their chances of reaching the top four will depend on other teams’ results and net run rate.
Matches remaining: 2 | Playoff chances: 40%
Karnali Yaks
Karnali are sixth with four points from four matches, having won two and lost two. They have three matches remaining against Pokhara, Lumbini and Chitwan.
With three games still to play, Karnali remain firmly in contention for a playoff place. Winning all three would take them to 10 points, while two victories would give them eight.
Every remaining fixture will be important, particularly their matches against Lumbini and Chitwan, which could have a significant impact on the top-four race.
Matches remaining: 3 | Playoff chances: 50%
Biratnagar Kings
Biratnagar are seventh with four points from five matches, having won two and lost three. They have two matches remaining against Pokhara and Lumbini.
Winning both would take Biratnagar to eight points. However, they have little room for further setbacks. Even with two victories, their qualification could depend on other teams’ results and net run rate.
Their immediate priority will be to win both remaining matches.
Matches remaining: 2 | Playoff chances: 40%
Pokhara Avengers
Pokhara have lost all four of their matches and remain without a point. They have three games remaining against Karnali, Biratnagar and Kathmandu.
Winning all three would take Pokhara to a maximum of six points. However, that total alone would not guarantee a playoff place.
They would also need favourable results from other teams. Following their fourth consecutive defeat, Pokhara are under pressure to win every remaining match.
Their playoff hopes will depend on both their own results and those of their competitors. Another defeat would leave their qualification prospects extremely difficult.
Matches remaining: 3 | Playoff chances: 10%
Ten league-stage matches remain, with two scheduled for Monday and one for Tuesday.
On Monday, Karnali Yaks will face Pokhara Avengers, while Chitwan Rhinos will take on Kathmandu Gorkhas. On Tuesday, Janakpur Bolts will play Sudurpaschim Royals.
The results of these three matches will provide a clearer picture of the standings. Wednesday will then be a rest day.
On Thursday, Karnali will face Lumbini, while Biratnagar will take on Pokhara. Friday will feature two matches, with Kathmandu playing Sudurpaschim and Chitwan facing Janakpur. On Saturday, Biratnagar will meet Lumbini.
The final day of the league stage, next Sunday, will feature Chitwan against Karnali and Kathmandu against Pokhara. The top four teams will be confirmed after those matches.
