KATHMANDU: Nepal Police Club emerged victorious in the Prime Minister’s Cup Men’s National Cricket Tournament, defeating Tribhuvan Army Club by six wickets in the final held today.
Chasing a target of 155 runs, Police achieved the target in 25.2 overs, losing four wickets in the process.
Opener Kushal Bhurtel was the star performer, scoring 61 runs off 70 balls, including seven fours and three sixes. Amit Shrestha contributed with 39 runs, while Dilip Nath remained unbeaten at 31.
On the bowling side, Shahab Alam claimed three wickets, while Naren Saud took one wicket for Army.
Earlier, Tribhuvan Army Club, which was asked to bat after losing the toss, could only manage 154 runs in 43 overs.
Army captain Binod Bhandari and Basir Ahmed shared a crucial 75-run partnership, after the team lost five wickets for just 25 runs within the first 10 overs.
Bashir Ahmed top-scored with 86 runs off 104 balls, while Bhandari contributed 29. The rest of the Army batsmen failed to make a significant impact, with only Bibek Yadav scoring 11 runs.
Nepal Police’s Karan KC was the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets for 30 runs in seven overs, including one maiden.
Sagar Dhakal supported with three wickets for 29 runs in eight overs. Captain Dipendra Singh Airi claimed two wickets, while Lalit Rajbanshi and Gulshan Jha took one wicket each.
The tournament, which saw 46 matches played, was held for the first time at the Siddhartha Cricket Stadium in Rupandehi, Extratech Oval Cricket Stadium in Tilottama, and Deukhuri International Stadium in Lamhima, Dang.
Teams from all seven provinces, along with departmental teams from the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force, participated in the competition.
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