Jay Trophy: Cricnepal's team of the tournament

The historic Jay Trophy Men’s Elite Cup concluded on January 16 with Nepal Police Club emerging as the first-ever winners. The multi-day format was played with Red ball and traditional white attire in two venues – Janakpur and Birgunj in Madhesh Province.

The format was new and challenging for the players, yet we witnessed an intense competition among four teams: Nepal Police Club, Tribhuwan Army Club, Bagmati Province, and Madhesh Province. NPC triumphed over TAC in the final to emerge as the champions.

Cricnepal.com presents the Jay Trophy (2081 BS) Team of the Tournament, selected based on player statistics and their impact throughout the competition.

1. Kushal Bhurtel (c)

Innings – 7, Runs – 204, Wickets – 18

Kushal Bhurtel had a decent tournament despite not having a good start with a bat. He scored 204 runs with a couple of fifties and picked up total of 18 wickets including one hat trick. Bhurtel led the Police team in Aarif’s absence and was actively seen supporting him in every match.

2. Mayan Yadav

Innings – 6, Runs – 268, Average – 44.66

Madhesh Province’s opener had an impressive tournament with the bat, finishing as the tournament’s highest run-scorer and the sole centurion. Mayan, who amassed 268 runs at an average of 44.66, was named the tournament’s best batter.

3. Amit Shrestha

Innings – 7, Runs – 257, Average – 36.71

Amit Shrestha finished as the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer. He notched up two half-centuries during the tournament, both in the same match against Bagmati, and ended the tournament with an average of 36.71.

4. Shubh Kansakar

Innings – 6, Runs – 197, Average – 32.83

Shubh Kansakar, Bagmati’s top-order batter had a good tournament. He was consistent throughout the completion and scored 197 runs at an average of 32.83

5. Arjun Saud (wk)

Innings – 7, Runs – 172, Average – 43.00, Dismissals – 6

Arjun Saud emerged as the leading run-scorer among the wicketkeepers, accumulating 172 runs, including a half-century. Despite being dismissed for a duck in the first innings, he remained unbeaten on three occasions.

6. Basir Ahmad

Innings – 8, Runs – 184, Wickets – 11

Basir Ahamad delivered an impressive all-round performance in the tournament, scoring 184 runs, including two half-centuries, and taking 11 wickets, highlighted by a five-wicket haul in the final.

7. Gulshan Jha

Innings – 7, Wickets – 13, Runs – 95

In a tournament where fast bowlers didn’t enjoy much prominence, Gulshan Jha stood out as the highest wicket-taking pacer, claiming 13 wickets, including a five-wicket haul. He also contributed some valuable runs lower down the order.

8. Sandeep Lamichhane

Innings – 6, Wickets – 18, Fifers – 2

Sandeep Lamichhane made a sensational start to the tournament with a 10-wicket haul in the opening match. Despite being surrounded by numerous controversies, Bagmati’s skipper had a decent tournament.

9. Nandan Yadav

Innings – 6, Wickets – 9, Runs – 126

Returning to Nepal’s domestic cricket after a lengthy hiatus, Nandan Yadav made an impressive comeback. The Bagmati pacer claimed nine wickets and contributed valuable runs, including a half-century.

10. Lalit Rajbanshi

Innings – 8, Wickets – 24, Bowling Average -14.54

Lalit Rajbanshi once again had a superb tournament. Police Club’s left-arm spinner grabbed 24 wickets in the tournament with a best bowling figure of 7/47.

11. Shahab Alam

Innings – 8, Wickets – 33, Bowling Average -11.18, Fifers – 4

Shahab Alam delivered a stellar performance in the tournament, taking an incredible 33 wickets, including four five-wicket hauls. His outstanding campaign earned him the Player of the Tournament award. Notably, his remarkable eight-wicket haul (8/59) against NPC in the opening match was the best bowling figure of the tournament.

Cricnepal’s team of the tournament:

1. Kushal Bhurtel (c) (Nepal Police Club)

2. Mayan Yadav (Madhesh Province)

3. Amit Shrestha (Nepal Police Club)

4. Shubh Kansakar (Bagmati Province)

5. Arjun Saud (wk) (Nepal Police Club)

6. Basir Ahmad (Tribhuwan Army Club)

7. Gulshan Jha (Nepal Police Club)

8. Sandeep Lamichhane (Bagmati Province)

9. Nandan Yadav (Bagmati Province)

10. Lalit Rajbanshi (Nepal Police Club)

11. Shahab Alam (Tribhuwan Army Club)