KATHMANDU, Oct 30: Cricket rarely produces performances in which a single player transforms the course of a match through brilliance with the ball, bat, and leadership. Karnali Yaks captain Sompal Kami delivered exactly that on Thursday in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) at the TU Cricket Ground.
After claiming four crucial wickets with the ball, Sompal produced a match-winning unbeaten 62 off just 32 deliveries to guide Karnali to a historic four-wicket victory over Biratnagar with one ball to spare.
Chasing a daunting target of 187, Karnali appeared headed for defeat after losing five wickets for just 57 runs in 6.5 overs. What followed, however, was a remarkable rescue act from the skipper.
Flying like a Superman at Dhulikhel!
Sompal first stitched together a 66-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Pawan Sarraf, who scored 36 runs. After Sarraf's dismissal, he combined with young all-rounder Gulshan Jha (unbeaten 28) to add an explosive, unbeaten 64 runs for the seventh wicket in only 35 balls.
Reaching his half-century in just 27 deliveries, Sompal remained unbeaten, striking four fours and three sixes as Karnali crossed the finish line in 19.5 overs.
Before emerging as the hero with the bat, Sompal had already laid the foundation for victory with an impressive bowling performance. He conceded 33 runs in his four overs and dismissed four key Biratnagar batters.
Among his victims were Lokesh Bam (87), whom he caught off his own bowling, Charith Asalanka (3), Angelo Mathews (31), and the dangerous Andre Russell (27).
Lokesh had earlier put Biratnagar in a commanding position with a blistering 87-run knock that featured nine sixes. However, his explosive innings was ultimately overshadowed by Sompal’s all-round brilliance.
Fresh from their victory over Janakpur in the previous match, Karnali have now registered back-to-back wins in the tournament. Biratnagar, meanwhile, suffered their second consecutive defeat, making their path forward in the competition increasingly challenging.
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