Basir heroics seal a thrilling win for Biratnagar over Karnali

The Nepal Premier League (NPL) finally produced the thriller fans had been waiting for. After several one-sided results earlier in the tournament, Friday night’s clash between Karnali Yaks and Biratnagar Kings delivered a dramatic finish, powered by a magnificent innings from left-hander Basir Ahmad. 

Most predictions suggested that Karnali, batting first under the lights, would put up a strong total and successfully defend it. The first half went according to expectation as Karnali posted a competitive 160 for three. But the second half flipped the script. 

Biratnagar chased down the target with just one ball remaining, thanks to Basir’s calm and courageous knock under immense pressure. 

Batting first after winning the toss, Karnali made 160 for three, setting a stiff target of 161. Priyank Panchal top scored with 63 while Will Bosisto scored 48 not out.

In reply, Biratnagar’s start was disastrous. Openers Lokesh Bam and George Munsey fell cheaply, Munsey for a duck in the second over and Lokesh in the fourth. By the end of the powerplay, Sam Heazlett’s dismissal left them struggling at 35 for three. 

Basir walked in with the top order in ruins and the scoreboard piling pressure on his team. He attempted to rebuild the innings alongside Sahil Patel, but the partnership didn’t last long. In the 12th over, both Sahil and Merchant de Lange were dismissed, leaving Biratnagar reeling at 65 for five. 

The situation seemed bleak until Narayan Joshi joined Basir at the crease. Together they forged a crucial 69-run stand that kept Biratnagar alive. Basir reached his half-century during this partnership and kept finding boundaries at key moments. 

Karnali’s sloppy fielding added to their woes. In the 15th over, captain Sompal Kami dropped a difficult but crucial chance off Basir, a moment that could have shifted the momentum. Soon after, Narayan survived a catch that was nullified by a no-ball, further tilting the game towards Biratnagar. 

Even though Narayan eventually fell in the 18th over, Basir remained composed. Pratish GC contributed a boundary before being dismissed, bringing Sandeep Lamichhane to the crease. 

Sandeep struck a four off his first ball and added vital runs to leave Biratnagar needing 10 from the final over with Basir back on strike. Basir collected two runs off the first ball, rotated the strike, and watched as Sandeep added three runs, setting up a tense finish. 

On the fifth ball of the over, Basir moved slightly to the leg side and flicked Nandan Yadav over deep square leg for a majestic six, the winning shot. 

Overcome with emotion, he bowed toward the ground in celebration as teammates rushed to embrace him. His unbeaten, match-winning innings earned him the Player of the Match award. 

Karnali’s bowling and fielding were below par. Despite having young spinners Bipin Prasad Sharma and Yuvaraj Khatri in the XI, neither bowled a single over. 

Important catches went down, including the one off Sahil Patel in the early overs and the later missed opportunity off Basir. The bowlers also conceded needless runs through byes, and Sompal’s no-ball on a wicket-taking delivery significantly changed the game’s momentum. 

With this victory, Biratnagar now have eight points from five matches and remain in second place, strengthening their playoff hopes. Karnali, meanwhile, have only two points from four outings and sit fifth on the table, making their playoff path increasingly difficult.