Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: An all-round performance by captain Sompal Kami helped Karnali Yaks go to the top of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) standings with a thrilling four-wicket win over Biratnagar Kings at the TU International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Batting first in Match No. 6, Biratnagar posted 186 for seven in their allotted 20 overs. In reply, Karnali scored 187 with one ball and four wickets to spare.
This was Karnali’s second win in as many matches in the 2026 NPL. They had earlier defeated Janakpur Bolts by 19 runs.
Although Biratnagar lost opener Imran Khan (5) early in the innings, fellow opener Lokesh Bam scored a magnificent 87 off 52 balls to lay the groundwork for a big total. He struck nine sixes and three fours. Angelo Mathews contributed 31 off 23 balls, while Andre Russell scored 27 off 15 balls. Basir Ahmed made 13 and Shehan Jayasuriya chipped in with 11. The other Biratnagar batters failed to reach double figures.
Karnali captain Sompal Kami claimed four wickets, including that of dangerman Bam, while Mark Watt and Nandan Yadav took a wicket each.
Chasing a target of 187, Karnali lost their first wicket early when opener Mark Watt was bowled by Angelo Mathews for one. However, Ariful Aslam (32) and Deepak Dumre (20) steadied the innings before Pawan Sarraf (36) and captain Kami steered the team toward victory.
Kami, who had earlier taken four wickets, scored a match-winning unbeaten 62 off 32 balls, hitting four fours and three towering sixes. He found support from Gulsan Jha at the other end, who remained unbeaten on 28 off 21 balls.
Mathews took three wickets for Biratnagar, while Charith Asalanka, Pratis GC and Sandeep Lamichhane claimed a wicket each.
