By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Mar 29, 2025 09:13 AM • 91 views
Nepal Police Club reaffirmed their dominance in domestic cricket, securing their second consecutive Prime Minister's Cup National Men's One-Day Cricket Tournament title with a resounding six-wicket victory over departmental rivals Tribhuvan Army Club in the final at Siddhartha Cricket Ground on Saturday.
Chasing a modest target of 155, Police made light work of the total, reaching 156/4 in just 25.2 overs. Opener Kushal Bhurtel led the charge with a scintillating 61 off 70 balls, laced with seven boundaries and three sixes. Amit Shrestha provided solid support with 39, while Dilip Nath remained unbeaten on 31 to see the team through.
Bhurtel and Shrestha set the foundation with a crucial 77-run stand for the first wicket, neutralizing Army's bowling attack early. Left-arm spinner Shahab Alam was the standout performer for the Army, claiming 3/31, while Naren Saud picked up one wicket.
After losing the toss earlier and being put into bat, the Army struggled to build partnerships and was bowled out for 154 in 43 overs. Bashir Ahmed was the lone warrior, crafting a gritty unbeaten 86 off 104 balls, including nine fours and a six. Skipper Binod Bhandari contributed 29, while Bibek Yadav chipped in with 11.
Ahmed and Bhandari shared a vital 77-run partnership for the sixth wicket, but a disciplined bowling performance from the Police ensured there was no late resurgence. Pacer Karan KC and left-arm spinner Sagar Dhakal were the pick of the bowlers, grabbing three wickets each. Captain Dipendra Singh Airee struck twice, while Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi and Gulshan Kumar Jha bagged one scalp apiece.
This victory marks the Police's fourth Prime Minister's Cup title overall, having previously shared the trophy with the Army in 2017 before clinching outright wins in 2019, 2024, and now 2025. Their latest triumph cements their status as the team to beat in Nepal's domestic one-day cricket circuit.
