Jay Trophy: Departmental Giants APF and Army assert dominance with comprehensive victories

KATHMANDU – The opening round of the Jay Trophy multi-day tournament concluded on Saturday with the departmental giants, Tribhuvan Army Club and Armed Police Force (APF) Club, asserting their supremacy over the competition. Both sides secured comprehensive victories at the TU International Cricket Stadium and Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground, respectively.

Malla and Sharki Shine in Army's Decisive Win

Tribhuvan Army Club dismantled Nepal Police Club by nine wickets in a match defined by a rare century and a clinical bowling display. Resuming the second day trailing by 24 runs, Nepal Police’s batting lineup crumbled under the pressure of the Army's spin attack.

After being bundled out for a meager 88 in their second innings, only Kushal Bhurtel offered resistance with a fighting 48. The rest of the Police batting card failed to reach double figures. Kushal Malla was the architect of the collapse, taking three wickets in a blistering spell of five runs across four overs, while Basir Ahamad led the charts with four scalps.

Army’s chase of 42 runs was a mere formality. Opening the innings, Malla smashed an unbeaten 42 off just 24 deliveries—including six boundaries and two sixes-to wrap up the contest before the lunch break. Bhim Sharki, who struck a magnificent century on Day 1 (one of only two in the tournament's history), was deservedly named Player of the Match.

Skipper Rohit Paudel Leads APF to Clinical Triumph

Across town at Mulpani, APF Club overcame Bagmati Province by eight wickets in a display of balanced cricket. Despite a captain’s knock of 84 from Bagmati’s Ishan Pandey, the provincial side was dismissed for 168 in their second innings, set back by a superb five-wicket haul from APF’s Irshad Ahmad.

Chasing a target of 137, APF relied on the experience of national stars Aasif Sheikh and Rohit Kumar Paudel. Both batters notched half-centuries to ensure a smooth pursuit. Sheikh’s fluent 59 set the tone before Paudel, finishing unbeaten on 56, guided the team home in just 20.2 overs.

Rohit Kumar Paudel was adjudged Player of the Match for his exceptional all-round contribution, having scored fifties in both innings (including 87* on Day 1) and claiming four wickets across the match.

Match Summary:

Match 1: Army Club (234/9d & 42/1) def. Nepal Police Club (187/8 & 88) by 9 wickets.

Match 2: APF Club (249 & 137/2) def. Bagmati Province (207/9d & 168) by 8 wickets.