Nepal Police Club has booked a spot in the 9th National Games final after defeating NRNA Sports Academy in the second semifinal match. Nepal Police Club will now face Tribhuwan Army Club in the final match.
Opting to bat first at TU cricket ground, Aarif Sheikh’s fiery knock helped Police post a mammoth total in a rain-halted clash. Police piled up 110/6 in the allotted 10 overs. Aarif hammered 36 from just 15 balls smashing three sixes and fours each. Dipendra Singh Airee, Karan KC, and Kushal Bhurtel also assisted 25(12), 18(8), and 12(5) respectively.
In reply, NRNA fell 13 runs short, despite a valiant effort from Sunam Gautam. Skipper Gautam added 46 runs with a couple of fours and four biggies. Sagar Pun also scored 20 balls 37 with four maximum. Eventually, NRNA finished 97/3 from eight overs.
Earlier in the first semifinal match, Army was adjudged as the winner and advanced through to the final after no play was possible due to the wet outfield. Army cruised through the semifinal topping Group ‘A’ whereas Sudurpaschim was a runner in Group ‘B’.
Sudurpaschim and NRNA will battle for the third play-off tomorrow, Friday at the TU cricket ground. Later, Police and Army will fight for the title in the same venue.
