By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Mar 17, 2026 17:22 PM • 30 views
KATHMANDU: Bowlers dominated day one of the Jai Trophy Men’s Elite Cup final at Mulpani Cricket Ground, keeping the match between Tribhuvan Army Club and Nepal Police Club evenly poised.
At the end of play on Tuesday, Nepal Police Club were struggling at 41 for 3 in their first innings, still 180 runs behind after Army scored 221 earlier in the day.
The First Innings: A Collective Effort
Earlier, after the police won the toss and chose to field, their bowlers made early breakthroughs. Yet, the Army’s top and middle order soon fought back to post a defendable score, led by opener Imran Sheikh’s steady half-century.
Continuing the Army’s effort with the bat, Trit Raj Das (32), Bhim Sharkey (39), and Kushal Malla (38) added useful runs after Sheikh’s solid start. Basir Ahmad’s 30 was important in the lower order, but the Army tail collapsed with three batters out for zero. The team was bowled out in 58.2 overs. On the bowling side, Rashid Khan stood out, delivering a masterclass in clinical pace bowling to take 4/17 in just 4 overs, with strong support from veteran seamers Karan KC and spinner Lalit Rajbanshi, who claimed three wickets apiece.
The Response: Sompal Strikes Back
In response, when the police began their innings, the army’s bowlers made an immediate impact. Sompal Kami led the attack, dismissing Kushal Bhurtel (18) and opener Amit Shrestha (1).
Building on that momentum, Akash Chand then removed Dilshad Ali (1), leaving the Police at 41 for 3. Dinesh Kharel (11 not out) and Rashid Khan (3 not out) will resume tomorrow.
Day 1 Brief Scores:
Tribhuvan Army Club: 221 All Out (58.2 overs)
- Imran Sheikh 50+, Bhim Sharkey 39; Rashid Khan 4/17
Nepal Police Club: 41/3 (At Stumps)
- Kushal Bhurtel 18; Sompal Kami 2/Wkts
