LBL vs CR Dream11 Prediction: Match 5 – Nepal Premier League 2025 | Fantasy Tips, Playing 11 & Match Preview
Lumbini Lions (LBL) take on Chitwan Rhinos (CR) in Match 5 of the Nepal Premier League 2025 at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur. Lumbini Lions are entering their first match of the season with renewed squad energy, while Chitwan Rhinos come in with an early win and momentum. The pitch at Kirtipur offers balanced conditions with some help for swing early and spin as match progresses. This article gives full breakdown for fantasy players: playing XIs, strengths, weaknesses, Dream11 picks, strategy and winner prediction.
Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Lumbini Lions vs Chitwan Rhinos |
| Tournament | Nepal Premier League 2025 |
| Match Number | 5 |
| Date | 20 November 2025 |
| Format | T20 |
| Venue | Tribhuvan University Int’l Cricket Ground, Kirtipur |
Pitch Report
Surface Behaviour
- Early overs: favour seamers with swing and carry.
- Middle overs: batting becomes easier once settled.
- Spin may play role later if surface roughens.
Expected Score
- First innings competitive score: approx 140-155.
- Chasing side might have slight edge if they handle early loss.
Fantasy Impact
- Top-order batters from both teams are key picks.
- At least one quality spinner beneficial.
- Pace bowlers who bowl powerplay may pick early wickets.
Weather Report
- Clear skies expected with minimal rain risk.
- Temperature moderate.
- No major hindrance expected for full 20 overs.
Team Preview: Lumbini Lions (LBL)
Strengths
- Fresh squad with new sign-ings, hunger for win.
- Batting lineup has capable finishers.
Weaknesses
- Yet to play match this season → unknown momentum.
- Bowling attack may lack big names compared to opponent.
LBL Probable Playing 11
| Role | Player |
|---|---|
| Opener A | D’Arcy Short |
| Opener B | Dilip Nath |
| Batter C | Rohit Paudel (C) |
| Batter D | Sundeep Jora |
| All-rounder A | Gulbadin Naib |
| All-rounder B | Bishal Patel |
| Wicketkeeper | Kushal Malla / alternate |
| Pacer A | Thomas Draca |
| Pacer B | Durgesh Gupta |
| Spinner | Tilak Bhandari |
| Utility | Jonathan Smit |
Team Preview: Chitwan Rhinos (CR)
Strengths
- Already won opening fixture → momentum on their side.
- Strong top-order with experience and power hitters.
Weaknesses
- Middle order may face collapse pressure.
- Bowling attack slightly inconsistent in death overs.
CR Probable Playing 11
| Role | Player |
|---|---|
| Opener X | Dawid Malan |
| Opener Y | Deepak Bohara |
| Batter | Ravi Bopara |
| Batter | Kushal Malla (C) |
| All-rounder X | Sohail Tanvir |
| All-rounder Y | Kamal Singh Airee |
| Wicketkeeper | Bipin Rawal / alternate |
| Spinner | Arjun Saud |
| Pacer A | Rijan Dhakal |
| Pacer B | Lalit Rajbanshi |
| Utility | Saif Zaib |
Head-to-Head & Form
- Lumbini Lions are yet to start their season.
- Chitwan Rhinos have opened tournament with a win → confidence edge.
- Form and momentum slightly favour Chitwan Rhinos.
Top Fantasy Picks
Best Batting Picks
- Rohit Paudel (LBL): Key batter for Lumbini, anchor + finisher.
- Ravi Bopara (CR): Experienced, high strike potential.
- D’Arcy Short (LBL): Explosive opener, high upside.
Best All-Rounder Picks
- Gulbadin Naib (LBL): Can contribute in both innings.
- Sohail Tanvir (CR): Pacer + good value with bat.
- Kamal Singh Airee (CR): Emerging all-rounder, differential pick.
Best Bowlers
- Sohail Tanvir (CR): Wicket-taking pace option.
- Tilak Bhandari (LBL): Spinner who may control middle overs.
- Lalit Rajbanshi (CR): Reliable pacer for death overs.
Captain & Vice-Captain Picks
Safe Picks (Small League)
- Rohit Paudel (C)
- Ravi Bopara (VC)
- Gulbadin Naib
Risky Picks (Grand League)
- D’Arcy Short (C)
- Kamal Singh Airee (VC)
- Tilak Bhandari
Dream11 Team Strategy
Small League Strategy
- Focus majority on Chitwan Rhinos due to momentum.
- Include 1–2 high-value Lumbini Lions players for balance.
- Captain from top batter or an all-rounder.
Grand League Strategy
- Mix across both teams fairly but tilt slightly to CR.
- Use one differential player from LBL.
- Spinner or an all-rounder as C/VC for upside.
Match Prediction – Who Will Win?
Chitwan Rhinos appear to have slight edge due to earlier win and stronger perceived momentum.
Predicted Winner: Chitwan Rhinos
However, Lumbini Lions can pull off upset if their top-order fires and their spinners exploit middle overs.
Final Fantasy Tips
- Pick at least one top-order opener from each team.
- Include a spinner from LBL for value.
- Avoid selecting too many bowlers from one side.
- Use a differential pick from LBL to differentiate in GL.
- Confirm playing XI and toss before final team lock.
