Tribhuvan Army Club faces Nepal Police in thrilling PM Cup finals

KATHMANDU: In the highly anticipated final of the Prime Minister Cup Men’s National Cricket Tournament, Tribhuvan Army Club has elected to bat first after winning the toss at the Tribhuvan University cricket ground.

As the match progressed past the 20-over mark, Tribhuvan Army Club faced a challenging start, scoring only 60 runs and losing six wickets. The pressure is on as they aim to set a competitive target for Nepal Police.

Nepal Police Club, remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament, has secured the top spot to reach the final. The team displayed consistent dominance, emerging victorious in all nine league matches.

Securing the second position with 14 points from nine games, including seven wins and two losses, Tribhuvan Army Club has earned its place in the final. Despite a close encounter where they suffered a 13-run defeat against Police in the league stage, Army is determined to turn the tables in the ultimate clash.

In the battle for supremacy, Deependra Singh Airee from Police and Binod Bhandari from Army will lead their respective teams. Captain Binod, known for his outstanding performance with two centuries in the competition, considers the Tribhuvan University Ground as a lucky venue.

The Army team comprises key players, including Binod, Kushal Malla, Bhim Sarki, Sompal Kami, Jitendra Mukhiya, and Sahab Alam. Meanwhile, Police boasts a formidable lineup with notable players like Deependra Singh Airee, Kushal Bhurtel, Aarif Sheikh, Arjun Saud, Sagar Dhakal, Karan KC, and Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi.

Both teams have shared points in 2017 and 2019 due to incomplete matches, adding to the historical rivalry. In 2019, Police claimed the title, while Army emerged victorious in 2021, making them the only team to feature in all six editions of the final.S[

The tournament's winner will be awarded Rs 10 lakhs, with the runner-up receiving Rs 5 lakhs. Additionally, outstanding players will be recognized, with the best player, batsman, and bowler receiving NPR 50,000, 20,000, and 20,000, respectively. The emerging player will also be rewarded with Rs 10,000.

As cricket enthusiasts await the outcome, the Tribhuvan Army Club and Nepal Police promise a riveting final in the Prime Minister Cup.