Nepal Police Club (NPC) emerged as the historic first-ever champions of the Jay Trophy Men’s Elite Cup. They defeated Tribhuwan Army Club (TAC) by 28 runs in a three-day final match in Birgunj to lift the title of Jay Trophy 2081.
Invited to bat first, NPC were restricted to 133/9 before decaring the inning. Kushal Bhurtel scored a half-century (51) and they were in a comfortable position at 85/2 after Day 1, where only 17 overs were possible due to foggy weather. However, the Police’s innings crumbled after Bhurtel’s dismissal. Shahab Alam picked up seven wickets for the Army to restrict the opposition to a minimal total.
In response, TAC scored 170 runs, gaining a lead of 37 runs. Bhim Sharki scored an explosive 58 whereas Basir Ahamad and Sompal Kami contributed 40 and 32 runs respectively. For NPC, Sagar Dhakal picked up a fifer while Kushal Bhurtel took a hat trick.
Day 2 ended with NPC struggle at 132/9. Kushal Bhurtel once again scored the highest 45 runs for the team. Dilip Nath made 34 whereas Rashid Khan scored crucial 18 runs. NPC’s last duo added seven runs on Day 3 as the team were bowled out for 139 runs. Shahab Alam and Basir Ahamad both picked up a five-wicket haul for the bowling side.
TAC needed 103 runs to win having almost a full day to bat on, but they were crumbled out for a mere 74 runs. Sagar Dhakal was the star with a six-wicket haul in the second innings as well. Lalit pocketed four wickets. Opener Imran Sheikh scored 28 runs for Army but he didn’t get sufficient support from other batters.
Sagar Dhakal, playing his first match of the tournament due to an injury was adjudged Player of the Match for his sensational bowling performance.
Madhesh’s Mayan Yadav was adjudged Best Batter of the tournament whereas Shahab Alam was awarded Best Bowler of the tournament. With 33 wickets to his name, Shahab himself was adjudged Player of the Tournament.
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