Edge-of-seat action in two nail-biters

Wednesday at the Nepal Premier League (NPL) witnessed two nail-biting matches. Kathmandu Gurkhas clinched a three-wicket victory over Karnali Yaks in the first match, while Biratnagar Kings chased down the highest target of the tournament so far, defeating Lumbini Lions by two wickets in a dramatic finish.  

Kathmandu, winning the toss and electing to field at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, faced a target of 150 runs. They secured the win in 19.3 overs, thanks to Sumit Maharjan’s unbeaten 40 off 37 balls, which earned him the Player of the Match award. Captain Karan KC’s explosive 28 off 10 balls proved pivotal in the final moments.  

Batting first, Karnali posted 149/5 in their 20 overs, driven by Indian batsman Shikhar Dhawan’s unbeaten 72 off 51 balls. However, Karnali’s captain Sompal Kami acknowledged that they fell short of a more competitive total. “We were 10-20 runs short on this wicket, and our death-over batting did not go as planned,” Kami said.  

Kathmandu’s chase began with early setbacks, but steady contributions from Maharjan and Gerald Erasmus (38 off 28 balls) turned the tide.  

“Sumit’s innings was mature and consistent. He took the game forward brilliantly,” said KC, who also highlighted areas for improvement in bowling during the final overs.  

For Karnali, it was their second consecutive defeat. Kami praised Dhawan’s leadership, emphasizing his vital role in guiding the team. “Dhawan’s composure and planning have been crucial. Our young players will learn from his example,” he added.  

This victory marked Kathmandu’s first win in the tournament.

Biratnagar Kings chased a daunting 192-run target to secure their first win of the season. Lokesh Bam played a starring role, scoring 71 off 47 balls and forming a vital 77-run partnership with Bashir Ahmed (40 off 23 balls) for the fifth wicket. Bam also shared insights into the team’s mindset and strategy. “Despite the big target, I went in with confidence. Before going out to bat, we discussed opening well and trusting each other to win,” Bam said.

Biratnagar’s chase came down to the wire, with Chris Sole’s unbeaten 14 off four balls sealing the game in the final over. “We planned to maintain a run rate of 11-12. I had told my teammates in the morning that we would win,” Bam added.

Despite misfields and conceding 29 extra runs, including half from Bam himself as wicketkeeper, the team’s calculated chase secured the dramatic victory. Bam acknowledged the challenges of the Tribhuvan University ground and emphasized adapting to its conditions. “The wicket here is tough to bat on. Nepali players should adapt and become match winners,” he noted.

Lumbini had earlier posted 191/7, with Rohit Paudel scoring a brisk 46 off 29 balls. However, the decision to have Bivek Yadav bowl the last over proved costly as he conceded 15 runs, handing the victory to Biratnagar. “Bivek was a better option for the final over, with two right-handers on strike. If I bowled, the game could’ve ended in three balls,” said captain Paudel, defending his choice.

Though Yadav contributed a fiery unbeaten 19 off seven balls with the bat, his bowling was expensive, conceding 64 runs in 23 deliveries.

This win marked a much-needed turnaround for Biratnagar after two losses, while Lumbini began their campaign with a defeat.