Sports

Chauraha take on Goldens

Defending champions Team Chauraha Dhangadi will be up against Kathmandu Goldens as the second edition of the Dhangadi Premier League (DPL) begins at the SP grounds on Saturday. Chauraha take on Goldens

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Published at : March 31, 2018

Updated at : March 31, 2018 08:41

Dhangadi

Defending champions Team Chauraha Dhangadi will be up against Kathmandu Goldens as the second edition of the Dhangadi Premier League (DPL) begins at the SP grounds on Saturday.

National team skipper Paras Khadka had led Chauraha to title triumph last year but the local franchise will not have him this year and their title defence depends on how new captain Sompal Kami operates his men.

Kami, the national team fast bowler, is the top draw in his squad which has been bolstered by the inclusion of United Arab Emirates skipper Rohan Mustafa and Indian cricketer Punit Mishra. Both Chauraha international recruits have already joined the team and will be available for the opener against Gyanendra Malla’s Goldens.

Mustafa, a genuine allrounder who comes often handy with his off spin, is expected to open the innings with Sunil Dhamala. Former U-19 skipper Raju Rijal, Yogendra Singh Karki, Sonu Tamang, Rajesh Pulami Magar, Lalit Singh Bhandari are some other big names in their squad. Diminutive Shankar Rana is the other opening option for Chauraha.

Goldens have roped in Indian duo Jaykishan Kolsawala and Sunny Patel who both have experience of playing in Nepal. The two cricketers feature in Lalitpur Patriots’ squad for last year’s Everest Premier League Twenty20 in Kathmandu and both had made a huge impact. Kolsawala was the third highest scorer of the tournament in the EPL and often gave desired start to Patriots.

Patel, a leg spinner who is also handy with the bat, featured in just a few matches of the EPL but was pretty well with the new ball. Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi, Naresh Budhayer, Amit Shrestha and Shahab Alam are other settled name in the Goldens squad. Kolsawala will once again be given the opening role for Goldens with former U-19 opener Amit Shrestha. Goldens young fast bowling duo includes Rashid Khan and Kishor Mahato.

DPL is the highest cash-prized cricket tournament of the country offering Rs 2.5 million to the champions. The runners-up will receive a purse of Rs 1 million. Other teams in the tournament include Biratnagar Kings, CYC Attariya, Mahendranagar United and Rupandehi Challengers.

Khadka will be leading Kings this time, while Subash Khakurel has been named the skipper of Attariya. Binod Bhandari (United) and Shakti Gauchan (Challengers) are the other two skippers. The top four teams after the round robin league will enter the playoffs from where the two teams will make it to the final.

The first and second placed team will meet in the first Qualifier with the winners directly entering the final. The loser of the first Qualifier will take on winner of the Eliminator match between third and fourth-placed team in the second Qualifier.