By a Staff Reporter
Kathmandu – Sushan Bhari’s 5 wicket haul and Skipper Binod Bhandari’s half-century inning led Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) to a 69 runs win over Gandaki Province in an ongoing Prime Minister One Day National Cricket Tournament.
TAC, who were offered to bat first after losing the toss collected 165 runs lasting 47.4 overs at Mulpani Cricket Ground. Opener duo Arjun Saud and Anil Mandal contributed 13 and 26 runs to the total. Hari Chauhan (6), Rohit Paudel (4), Kushal Malla (0), and Sushan Bhari got dismissed for 1 run.
As it looked like TAC were heading for a big defeat, a partnership of 79 runs between Binod Bhandari and Bhim Sharki turned the momentum of the match. After departure of Bhim for 39 runs, TAC batter continue to return back to the dugout. Bikram Sob and Shahab Alam left the crease for 3 and 1 run.
The first inning ended after Kirshna Paudel caught Binod’s shot off Chandra Paudel’s delivery. Jitendra Mukhiya remained unbeaten for 4 runs. Gandaki Province’s captain Bipin Khatri booked 4 wickets in his name. Amrit Gurung, Chandra Paudel and Subash Bhandari took apiece each. Kamal Pariyar got two wickets.
Gandaki failed to chase the winning target of 166 runs. 5-wicket haul including two maiden from Shusan Bhari stopped Gandaki at 96 runs in 33.2 overs. Two wickets each from Shahab Alam and Kushal Malla, and apiece from Bikram Sob forced Gandaki to pack up before bagging 100 runs in total.
High scorer for Gandaki Sameer Kandel got LBW out for 39 runs off 92 deleveries. Star boy Arjun Kumal departed contributing 14 runs off 43 balls. Bidhan Shrestha, Sandesh Basnet, Sandeep Chhetri, Kamal Pariyar and Chandra Paudel returned back to the pavilion with 0 runs. Avishek Basnet (1), Amrit Gurung (5), Subash Bhandari (3), and Bipin Khatri added 19 runs to the tally.
With the win, TAC keeps their semifinals hope alive. A win against Karnali Province on November 8 means they are qualified to the semifinals. TAC stands third in the Group A points table with 4 points behind Gandaki Province. Table toppers APF have already booked their semifinal spot.
