Captain Sompal Kami’s All-Round Heroics Steer Karnali Yaks to a Thrilling Last-Over Victory

KIRTIPUR, KATHMANDU — In what will be remembered as one of the most sensational comebacks in Nepal Premier League (NPL) history, Karnali Yaks’ captain Sompal Kami delivered a masterclass with both bat and ball to snatch a four-wicket victory from the jaws of defeat against the Biratnagar Kings.

Playing in the sixth match of NPL Season 3 at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground on Thursday, Kami rescued his side from a precarious 57 for 5, guiding them to chase down a daunting target of 187 in the final over of a breathtaking thriller.

Lokesh Bam’s Fireworks Set a Massive Target

The Biratnagar Kings, after being asked to bat first, put on a formidable total of 186 for 7 in their 20 overs. Opener Lokesh Bam was in devastating form, smashing a spectacular 87 off just 52 deliveries. He brutalized the Karnali bowling attack, hitting nine towering sixes and three boundaries, falling just 13 runs short of what would have been the first century by a Nepali player in the NPL.

Bam found solid support from international stars Angelo Mathews, who contributed a quick 31 off 23 balls, and Andre Russell, who bludgeoned 27 off 15 deliveries.

Despite the onslaught, Sompal Kami stood tall with the ball. The Karnali skipper was the standout bowler, claiming four crucial wickets for 33 runs in his four overs, effectively dismissing the dangerous quartet of Bam, Russell, Mathews, and Charith Asalanka.

A Miraculous Chase Led by the Captain

Chasing 187, the Karnali Yaks started with aggressive intent as Ariful Islam smashed 32 off just 12 balls. However, the Kings’ bowlers quickly tore through the top order. Angelo Mathews led the charge for Biratnagar, picking up three wickets, leaving Karnali staring at an embarrassing defeat at 57 for 5.

Pawan Sarraf (36 off 28 balls) initiated the rebuilding process before being dismissed by Pratis GC. It was then that Captain Sompal Kami took complete control of the game.

Displaying immense grit and immense power-hitting, Kami orchestrated a phenomenal counter-attack. He bludgeoned an unbeaten 62 off just 32 balls, boasting a strike rate of 193.75, and hit four boundaries and three sixes to completely shift the momentum. Supported brilliantly by Gulsan Jha, who remained unbeaten on 28 off 21 deliveries, Kami finished the job in style, securing the win with one ball to spare in the 20th over.

Unsurprisingly, Sompal Kami was named the Player of the Match for his extraordinary all-round heroics, which handed Karnali Yaks their second consecutive win of the season and consigned the Biratnagar Kings to their second straight defeat.