Why teams are preferring to bat first at NPL

Kathmandu Gorkhas were the last team to win a match after deciding to field first at the ongoing Nepal Premier League. The win came over Biratnagar Kings, in the 15th match of the season, on November 5. Now, the teams are preferring to bat first.

The Gorkhas were the only team to go against the trend—batting first after winning the toss—until the 19th match between Pokhara Avengers and Karnali Yaks on November 9. It might be because the Gorkhas lost that match against Janakpur Bolts on October 29 that other teams, including Kathmandu, did not take such a risk again. However, despite the team winning the toss and fielding first not confirmed of the win, Pokhara, the team at the bottom, took that risk in a do-or-die match against Karnali on November 9, and won.

After that match, it seems other teams are also willing to bat first. The reason varies—based on the opponent, match day, weather and pitch.