Tribhuwan Army Club defeated Nepal Police Club in Wednesday’s final group stage match of the ongoing Ninth National Game. Binod Bhandari’s electrifying knock and Arjun Saud’s decent inning helped Army defeat Police in the departmental derby.
Opting to bat first at TU Cricket Ground, Army posted 177 runs in a 19 overs match. Arjun Saud scored a fine half-century (53 from 35 balls) with seven boundaries and a couple of sixes before skipper Binod Bhandari went all over the park. Bhandari slammed unbeaten 66 runs from just 29 deliveries smacking seven sixes.
In reply, Police were 13 runs short despite a brisk start. Aarif Sheikh scored 40 runs from 24 balls whereas Sunil Dhamala, Dipendra Singh Airee, and Dilip Nath assisted quick 27,21, and 23 respectively. Army finishes on top of Group ‘A’ with eight points after the victory.
Karnali defeated Gandaki in a 13 overs contest in the first clash at TU Cricket Ground. Despite a win in the final game and equal points with Police, Karnali is out of the tournament having poor NRR. Prakash Jaisi’s all-round show helped Karnali win the battle by 8 runs.
Prakash topped the score chart with 19 runs as Karnali posted 93 runs from the allotted 13 overs. Sandeep Chhetri’s 49 runs were not enough as Gandaki managed 85 runs only. Dinesh Adhikari picked up three wickets, while Prakash Jaishi and Anuj Chunara pocketed two wickets each.
Group ‘A’ table toppers Tribhuwan Army will face Group ‘B’ runner-up, Sudurpaschim, in the first semifinal match tomorrow (September 15) at TU Cricket Ground. Nepal Police Club, the Group ‘B’ runner-up, and NRNA Sports Academy, Group ‘A’ table topper, will be battling in the second semi-final at the same venue.
