Basir Ahamad: From parental support to thrilling match hero

KATHMANDU: The second match of Friday in the Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League (NPL) turned into a dramatic thriller as Biratnagar Kings defeated Karnali Yaks by three wickets, securing their fourth victory of the season.

The star of the match was spin all-rounder Basir Ahamad, who guided Biratnagar to victory with a sensational unbeaten 62 off 43 balls, smashing 3 fours and 3 sixes.

Biratnagar needed 10 runs in the final over, and Karnali’s Nandan Yadav kept things tight, conceding only six runs off the first four deliveries.

But Basir held his nerve, launching a massive six off the fifth ball to finish the chase with one ball to spare, sending the crowd into a roar of excitement.

During the presentation ceremony, Basir—named Player of the Match—dedicated his match-winning performance to his mother.

“I want to dedicate this win to my mother, whose love and support brought me here,” he said.

Adding to the entertainment, captain Sandeep Lamichhane celebrated the win with push-ups on the field—mirroring the celebration Karnali captain Sompal Kami had performed after taking a wicket earlier.

The friendly rivalry added more flavour to the already intense contest.

Basir’s Journey: Hard Work and Determination

Twenty-two-year-old Basir Ahmad hails from Mayadevi Rural Municipality-4, Rupandehi.

As an aspiring cricketer, he used to travel nearly 20 km daily to train at Lumbini Navyuwa Club.

Supported by his parents and coached by Basanta Shahi in Bhairahawa, Basir rose through Nepal’s cricket system, making it to the U-19 national team before debuting for the senior national side against Namibia in Asar 2079.

Although he has struggled to cement a permanent place in the national squad, performances like this underline his growing potential.

Points Table

• Sudurpashchim Royals top the table with 8 points from 4 matches, ahead of Biratnagar on net run rate.

• Biratnagar Kings remain second with 8 points from 5 games.

• Kathmandu Gorkhas stand third with 6 points from 5 matches.

• Chitwan Rhinos, with 4 wins from 4 games, hold fourth position.

• Karnali Yaks are fifth with 2 points from 4 matches.

• Pokhara Avengers and Lumbini Lions are sixth and seventh respectively, both with 2 points.

• Janakpur Bolts are at the bottom, winless in 3 matches.