By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Mar 18, 2026 15:22 PM • 11 views
KATHMANDU – In a tense repeat of last year’s final, Karan KC showed why he is Nepal’s top big-match performer. He scored a determined half-century and delivered a strong opening spell with the ball. This put Nepal Police Club (NPC) in control. NPC now leads Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) as the Jai Trophy Men’s Elite Cup nears its last day.
The Great Recovery
The match started with an unusual twist: both teams ended their first innings with the same score of 221. However, each side reached that total in very different ways, setting the stage for a complex contest.
NPC chose to bowl first on Day 1 and held the Army to 221 runs. But their own batting started poorly. Police struggled at 122 for 7. Most of their top order was out, and a big deficit seemed likely.
Karan KC then stepped up with calm experience. He scored an important 72 from 109 balls. He built key partnerships with tail-enders Lalit Rajbanshi and Sagar Dhakal. This effort helped the team reach 221 and level the scores. His innings gave the defending champions new confidence.
The Bowling Blitz
After his batting heroics, Karan opened the bowling and quickly pressured the Army’s top order. He claimed three wickets, leaving the Army’s middle order exposed.
The Army tried to fight back. Kushal Malla scored 36, Shahab Alam 33, and Bhim Sharkey 32. Then, spinners Lalit Rajbanshi and Sagar Dhakal supported Karan’s pace. Each took three wickets with accurate spin bowling.
Match Situation at Stumps (Day 2)
At the end of the second day, the Army had a narrow lead of 178 runs with just one wicket left. Sompal Kami and Akash Chand will return to the crease tomorrow. They hope to push the lead closer to 200.
A Rivalry Renewed
This three-day final is longer than the two-day matches in the league stage. It is a rematch of last year’s title game. Last year, the Police narrowly beat the Army to win the trophy. They seem ready to do it again.
The tournament includes the top four teams from the Prime Minister’s Cup: NPC, TAC, APF, and Bagmati Province. It was postponed from February due to the House of Representatives elections. Still, the high level of cricket has made the wait worthwhile.
