Rashid and Bhurtel’s Half-Century Performances Propel Nepal Police Club to Defend Jay Trophy Title
News Summary
Editorial reviewed.
- Nepal Police Club won the Jay Trophy cricket final by defeating Tribhuvan Army Club by 4 wickets, securing the title for the second consecutive time.
- Police chased down the Army’s target of 227 runs on the third day during the third session with 6 wickets down.
- Rashid Khan top-scored for Police with 81 runs, while Sagar Dhakal took 4 wickets. From Army, Pawan Karki and Shahab Alam claimed 2 wickets each.
March 18, Kathmandu – Nepal Police Club successfully defended their Jay Trophy cricket title by defeating Tribhuvan Army Club by 4 wickets in the final. This marks their second consecutive championship victory.
Chasing a target of 227 runs set by the Army, Police reached the target during the third session of the third day, losing 6 wickets in the process. Rashid Khan was the top scorer for Police with 81 runs, while Kushal Bhurtel contributed 51 runs.
For the Army, Pawan Karki and Shahab Alam each took 2 wickets, while Akash Chand and Bhim Sarki took one wicket apiece.
At the end of the second day, the Army held a lead of 178 runs and added an additional 48 runs on the third day. For the last wicket, Akash Chand shared a 49-run partnership.
During the first innings, both teams scored 221 runs. Following this, the Army was bowled out for 226 runs in their second innings.
Akash Chand was the top scorer for the Army with 37 runs. Kushal Malla scored 36, Shahab Alam made 33, and Bhim Sarki added 32 runs. Sompal Kami remained not out on 23, Tritraj Das scored 20, Imran Sheikh and Akash Chand remained unbeaten with 15 runs each.
Sagar Dhakal took 4 wickets for Police, while Karan KC and Lalit Rajbanshi claimed 3 wickets each.
Earlier, Nepal Police Club was dismissed for 221 runs in 61.4 overs in their first innings. Since the Army also scored 221 runs, Police had no initial advantage.
Batting at number nine, Karan KC was the highest scorer for Police in the first innings, making an unbeaten 72 runs off 109 balls with 2 fours and 1 six. He shared a 62-run partnership with Lalit Rajbanshi for the ninth wicket. Captain Arif Sheikh contributed 44 runs, Lalit Rajbanshi scored 20, Kushal Bhurtel 18, and Dinesh Kharel added 17 runs.
For the Army, Sompal Kami took 5 wickets conceding 72 runs in 17 overs. Akash Chand claimed 2 wickets, while Shahab Alam, Pawan Karki, and Naren Saud took one wicket each.
The Army lost the toss and was asked to bat first. They were bowled out for 221 runs in 58.2 overs in their first innings. Opener Imran Sheikh was the top scorer with 50 runs, followed by Bhim Sarki with 39, Kushal Malla 38, Tritraj Das 32, and Basir Ahmad 30 runs.
For Police, Rashid Khan took 4 wickets while Karan KC and Lalit Rajbanshi took 3 wickets each.
Police had also defeated Army in the previous final to claim last season’s Jay Trophy title.
