Kushal’s half-century boosts Police’s lead

KATHMANDU: In the third match of the Jay Trophy Men’s Elite Cup, Nepal Police Club has gained a 45-run lead over Madhesh Province in the first innings by the end of the first day, played on Wednesday.

Police still have seven wickets in hand with 20 overs remaining in their innings.

At the close of play, they had scored 174 runs for the loss of three wickets.

Police opener Kushal Bhurtel was the standout performer, scoring 63 runs off 68 balls, including 10 boundaries.

He and fellow opener Dilip Nath formed a 96-run partnership for the first wicket. Nath was dismissed for 40 runs off 79 balls.

Gulshan Jha also contributed 20 runs from 14 balls before being dismissed.

Amit Shrestha (34 not out) and captain Aarif Sheikh (13 not out) were at the crease at the end of the first day.

For Madhesh, captain Harishankar Shah claimed two wickets, while Abhishek Tiwari took one.

Earlier, Madhesh Province, after losing the toss, were bowled out for 129 runs in 42.4 overs. Opener Mayan Yadav was the top scorer with 59 runs from 102 balls, including five boundaries and two sixes.

Niraj Yadav was dismissed for 29, and Abhishek Tiwari remained unbeaten on 17. After a strong start at 99 for 2, Madhesh lost their last eight wickets for just 30 runs.

Police bowler Gulshan Jha was the standout with the ball, taking five wickets for 40 runs in 13 overs.

Kushal Bhurtel, along with Sharwan Yadav and Lalitnarayan Rajwanshi, claimed one wicket each.

Both teams, after drawing their first match, have 15 points each in the competition.

Remaining Fixtures:

January 11-12:
Nepal Police Club vs. Bagmati Province – Janakpur
Tribhuvan Army Club vs. Madhesh Province – Birgunj

January 14-16:
Final Match – Birgunj