KATHMANDU, April 30: Skipper Rabindra Jung Shahi’s all-round performance helped Karnali XI clinch 11-run win against departmental team Tribhuvan Army Club in the ongoing Karnali Premier League during a Group A match played at Kalinchowk Cricket Ground in Surkhet on Monday.
Host team Karnali has qualified for the semifinals after winning third group match on the trot.
Shahi contributed 23 runs from 28 deliveries to help the home team post 156 runs for the loss of seven wickets after winning the toss and batting first. Middle-order batsman Lokendra Bam top-scored with 50 runs from 30 deliveries including six boundaries and two sixes. Similarly, Pradeep Rasali and Jitendra Singh Thakuri added 34 and 30 runs respectively to the total.
Susan Bhari continued good form with the ball picking up a five-wicket-haul. Jeetendra Mukhiya and Kushal Malla took a wicket each in the match.
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Shahi returned with the ball picking up three wickets to limit Army on 145 runs for the loss of eight wickets after 20 overs. He was supported by Krishna Karki’s three-wicket-haul with the new ball.
Similarly, Kishore Mahato and Thakuri shared a wicket each in the match.
Skipper Binod Bhandari kept Army in hunt for the chase with his 55 runs from 42 deliveries which included nine boundaries and a six. He shared a partnership of 85 runs with Hari Bahadur Chauhan for the second wicket. Chauhan smashed six boundaries during his 37-ball 38 runs.
In the first match of the day, Mahendranagar Cricket Club registered first win of the second season of Karnali Premier League defeating Himalayan Cricket Academy by five runs in a close match played at Surkhet on Monday.
Mahendranagar posted a total of 151 runs for the loss of five wickets in 20 overs after winning the toss and batting first. Himalayan was limited to 146 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs.
Player of the match Bikram Thagunna impressed with his all-round performance contributing unbeaten 41 runs from bat in the first innings and picking up two wickets defending the total inspiring Mahendranagar to a narrow win. Aakash Chand chipped with two wickets as well.
Similarly, Dinesh Aagri scored 33 runs. Himalayan’s Padam KC and Dipendra Singh Airee scored 50 and unbeaten 29 runs respectively in a losing cause. Likewise, Sharad Khadka chipped with two wickets for Himalayan.
Mahendranagar has two points after first win in two matches. Armed Police Force (APF) Club leads the group B with four points (two wins). Similarly, Himalayan is on bottom of the three-team table.
Army will face Mid-western Cricket Club in bid to qualify for the semis from Group A on Tuesday. Similarly, New Horizon club will face Himalayan in a must win game.
