Imran Sheikh fifty and Sompal Kami's early strikes put Army ahead despite Rashid Khan four-for

Imran Sheikh's patient half-century and Sompal Kami's incisive new-ball spell gave Tribhuwan Army Club the upper hand against Nepal Police Club at the end of Day 1 of the Jay Trophy Men's Elite Cup final at Mulpani Cricket Ground on March 17, 2026.

After Nepal Police chose to field, Army were bowled out for 221 in 58.2 overs, with Imran holding the innings together through a 137-ball 50. He found support from Bhim Sharki, who made 39, while Kushal Malla's brisk 38 and Basir Ahamad's 30 ensured Army pushed past 200 after being reduced to 36 for 1 and later 119 for 3.

Police's biggest threat with the ball was Rashid Khan, who ran through the lower middle order to finish with 4 for 17 in four overs. Lalit Rajbanshi and Karan KC claimed three wickets each, and for much of the day that effort appeared to have kept Police firmly in the contest.

Army, however, hit back hard in the final session. Sompal removed Amit Shrestha and Kushal Bhurtel in his opening spell, while Aakash Chand dismissed Dilsad Ali as Police slid to 36 for 3. Dinesh Kharel then stayed unbeaten on 11, with Rashid Khan on 3 at the other end, to take Police to 41 for 3 in 11 overs at stumps.

With Police still 180 runs behind and seven first-innings wickets in hand, Day 2 is set up around whether Kharel and Rashid can repair the innings or whether Army's seamers can turn their strong finish into a decisive advantage.