James Neesham, who picked up three wickets in a single over during the final of the T20 World Cup on Sunday, responded to a congratulatory post from his Nepal Premier League franchise, Pokhara Avengers, by asking them to pay their players.
India beat New Zealand by 96 runs in the T20 World Cup final at Ahmedabad. The game was one-sided for most parts, with India racing away to 92-0 after the end of the powerplay.
India seemed poised to score well past 250, but a triple strike from all-rounder Neesham brought them back in the game, albeit briefly. Bowling the 16th over, he sent back dangerman Sanju Samson with a full toss delivery, as India’s second wicket fell for 203. They became 204-4 soon after, with Neesham also sending back half-centurion Ishan Kishan and then Suryakumar Yadav for a golden duck, off successive deliveries. He conceded just one run in that over, giving hopes of a New Zealand comeback.
India ended up posting 255-5 in the end, with Neesham going for 24 runs in his final over.
Neesham takes a dig at NPL team
The all-rounder was congratulated by his Nepal Premier League team on Instagram for his over. Mentioning his performance, Pokhara Avengers also wrote that they were “proud” to have him play for them in the last season of the competition.
“Outstanding over from Jimmy Neesham in the 16th over of the T20 World Cup Final.
W 0 0 1 W W. 3 wickets, 1 run and 2 dots against India. A brilliant spell on the big stage.
Unfortunate that New Zealand finished as runners-up in the final.
Proud to have seen him represent Pokhara Avengers in NPL Season 2.”
Neesham, however, had a cheeky reply that possibly left the franchise red-faced. He simply told the team to pay up: “Cool, pay your players.”
Pokhara Avengers ended fifth in the last season, winning three of their seven games. Neesham was with the team Janakpur Bolts in the first season, 2024, and his celebratory song, set to a popular Bhojpuri dance, went viral after their title win.
Following Neesham's comment, Nepali outlet HamroKhelkud reported that the franchise had spoken to the player, and that he would receive the payment due to him by tomorrow (March 10).
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