Nepal Police Club clinched the Jay Trophy Men's Elite Cup title with a composed four-wicket victory over Tribhuvan Army Club on the third and final day of the final at Mulpani Cricket Ground, chasing down 227 with 230 for 6 in 56.4 overs.
The final morning began with Police first wrapping up Army's second innings for 226. Overnight batters Aakash Chand and Sompal Kami delayed them with a stubborn last-wicket effort, with Aakash making 37 and Sompal remaining unbeaten on 23, but Sagar Dhakal finished with the standout figures of 4 for 43. Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi and Karan KC claimed three wickets each to keep Army's lead within reach.
Set 227 for the title, Police lost Amit Shrestha in the first ball of second over but recovered through Dinesh Kharel and Rashid Khan. The chase truly took shape in a match-defining third-wicket stand between Rashid and Kushal Bhurtel, who added 94 runs after Police had slipped to 71 for 2. Kushal struck 51 off 64 balls, while Rashid anchored the innings with 81 off 128, hitting eight fours and three sixes.
Even after both set batters departed, Police stayed in control. Dilsad Ali remained unbeaten on 31, Shankar Rana finished 13 not out, and the pair carried Police home with four wickets in hand to seal the title.
Police's bowlers had laid the foundation across the match, with Rajbanshi once again playing a decisive role after also starring earlier in the final. His impact over the tournament was recognised after the match as he was named both Best Bowler and Player of the Tournament after claiming 26 wickets at an average of 19.96. Bagmati Province's Ishan Pandey won the Best Batter award after finishing as the tournament's leading scorer with 331 runs.
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