Bagmati Province got off to an excellent start in the KP Oli T20 Tournament, dominating the opening match against Madan Bhandari Sports Academy Red in Pokhara with a resounding 109-run victory. Skipper Sandeep Lamichhane and Rit Gautam (Player of the match) were the stars in the dominating win.
Having been invited to bat first, Bagmati set a formidable total of 184/7 in the stipulated 20 overs. Opener Rit Gautam emerged as the top scorer with a brisk 74 runs off 53 balls, featuring eight fours and three sixes. Shubh Kansakar, another opener, contributed 27 runs, while wicketkeeper Gaurav Khadka remained unbeaten with 17 runs.
Sandeep Lamichhane showcased his power-hitting prowess by smashing three consecutive sixes before getting out on the fourth ball, accumulating a total of 18 runs. Biprason KC picked up three wickets for the bowling team.
In reply, the home team was bundled out for 75 runs in 14.2 overs. Sandeep Lamichhane stood out as the standout bowler, securing four wickets while conceding only 16 runs in his spell. Left-arm spinner Subash Khatri contributed with three wickets, giving away 16 runs in 2.2 overs, while Pratish GC claimed two wickets, conceding seven runs in his two-over spell.
Bijay Prajapati and Amar Mishra were the top scorers for the losing side, scoring 13 runs each.
The KP Oli T20 Cricket Tournament, scheduled to take place from November 22 to December 2 in Pokhara, is being organized by the Madan Bhandari Sports Academy. The tournament will feature seven provinces, three departmental teams, and the organizers, Madan Bhandari Sports Academy, competing for a winning prize of NPR Five Lakhs and a runner-up prize of NPR Two Lakhs Fifty Thousand.
Madan Bhandari Sports Academy Red, Bagmati and Karnali Province are in Group A while APF, Gandaki and Lumbini Province are in Group B. Group C consists of Nepal Police Club, Sudurpaschim and Madhesh Province whereas Tribhuwan Army, Koshi Province and Madan Bhandari Sports Academy Blue are in Group D.
