By a Staff Reporter
Kathmandu (HamroKhelkud) – Nepal Police Club, with their seven-match winning streak, have booked their place in the final of PM Cup 2080. Police defeated Gandaki Province by six wickets in Mulpani on Monday, to keep their winning run alive, and become the first team to confirm their place in Saturday’s final.
Police chased down the target of 171 runs in 24.2 overs at the loss of just four wickets. Opener Dilip Nath scored a quickfire 57 runs in 39 deliveries with six fours and four sixes to guide Police to victory. Arjun Saud made an unbeaten 49-ball 44 with five fours and a six. Aarif Sheikh remained not-out at the other end on 27 off 22. Opener Kushal Bhurtel made 22 runs with four fours and one six in five deliveries before being dismissed in the sixth.
Sandeep Parajuli picked up two wickets for Gandaki with Bipin Khatri and Kamal Pariyar chipping in with one each.
Earlier, Gandaki, who batted first after losing the toss, were bundled over on 170 runs in 38.3 overs. Amrit Gurung was the top scorer for the team with 50 runs from 39 deliveries. Police pacer Rashid Khan picked up five wickets while Karan KC and Lalit Rajbanshi had two scalps each.
The top two teams at the end of the round-robin stage will play the final this time. Only Tribhuwan Army Club can get to Police’s tally of 14 points. Army have 12 points so far from eight matches. Their latest win also came today- a 97-run win over Sudurpaschim Province that propelled them to second on the table.
Bagmati Province and Madhesh Province also have 12 points but have already played all of their matches. APF on eight points from seven matches are also in contention for a berth in the final.
