By a Staff Reporter
Kathmandu – Sudur Paschim Province defeated Bagmati Province by eight wickets in the U-19 National Cricket Tournament on Friday to secure a place in the final. The easy win ensured that they finish second in the league round to meet Lumbini Province in the final.
Sudur Paschim met an easy target of 96 runs by losing two wickets in 23.1 overs. Naresh Bhatta of Sudur Paschim was unbeaten with 37 runs off 58 balls that included six fours. Similarly, Rahul Bhandari was also not out on 31 runs from 39 balls. He scored five boundaries altogether. Sudur Paschim’s opener Khadak Bohora was out for LBW by fast bowler Gautam KC with just five runs in his name. Another batsman Basanta Karki was caught out by Pratish GC on 11 runs.
Earlier, Bagmati Province who were invited to bat first after losing the toss, were all out with 95 runs on board in 30.1 overs. Sudur Paschim’s fast bowler Hemant Dhami and spinner Sher Malla caused Bagmati’s batting order collapse. Bagmati’s Bivek Rana Magar was the top scorer for his team with 32 runs from 75 balls that included four boundaries. Likewise, Krish Karki scored 17 runs including two fours and a six from 30 balls while other batsmen failed to make any notable contribution. Suryanshu Koirala was out for eight runs while Uttam Thapa scored six and Bipin Shahi was out for a duck. Other contributors of Bagmati Province were Prashant Mahat (1), Pratish GC (6), Gautam KC (7) and Bipul Khanal (3) while Swapnil Adhikari failed to score any run.
Hemant Dhami took five wickets for Sudur Paschim in 10 overs including four maiden overs by giving away 19 runs. Likewise, Sher Malla took four wickets in his spell of 5.1 overs giving away 31 runs.
The top two teams of the league round – Lumbini and Sudur Paschim – will face each other during Sunday’s final. Lumbini topped the table with 10 points from six matches including five wins and a defeat. Meanwhile, Sudur Paschim finished second with eight points from six matches including four victories and two defeats.
Gandaki finished third followed by Province 1 (fourth), Bagmati Province (fifth), Karnali (sixth) and Province 2 (seventh).
