BHADRAPUR:
Nepal Armed Police Force (APF) Club claimed the fourth Binesh Verma Memorial Cricket Tournament title defeating Jhapa-XI by seven wickets here at the Mechi Campus Cricket grounds today.
It was the second trophy of the departmental team since the establishment of club last year. They had won the Madan Bhandari Memorial Twenty20 Cricket Tournament in Kathmandu in January in their debut participation.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Jhapa-XI were bowled out for 88 runs in 35.1 overs against the disciplined bowling attack of APF before the star-studded side raced to the target losing three wickets in 19.1 overs.
Santosh Baral top scored for the local side with 16 off 26 deliveries that included a six. Amit Shrestha (11) was their next best contributor. Veteran allrounder Shakti Gauchan (3-12) and APF skipper Paras Khadka (3-14) shared six wickets between them. Pace bowler Amrit Bhattarai, who
was declared the best bowler of the tournament, claimed 2-20.
In reply, opener Subash Khakurel scored 42 off 49 balls with six strikes to the fence to steer APF safely home. Sharad Vesawkar contributed 40-ball 26 with three fours and skipper Paras, who was later adjudged the man-of-the-match, remained unbeaten on 13 off just five deliveries. Suresh Guragain and Nirjal Chhetry picked up one wicket apiece for Jhapa-XI.
Subash Khakurel of APF was declared the man-of-the-series, while Sunny Pun of Jhapa-XI was honoured with best batsman’s award. With the victory, APF received Rs 40,000. Chief District Officer of Jhapa Shashi Shekhar Shrestha among others handed over the prizes to the winners.
Source: THT
