Jay Trophy: Army beats Madhesh, first team to reach final

Birgunj, January 12 — Tribhuwan Army Club defeated Madhesh Province by 8 wickets in the Jay Trophy Men's Elite Cup, played at Birgunj on January 11-12.

With the victory, Army becomes the first team to secure a spot in the tournament's final.

The match saw an all-round dominant performance from the Army, with standout bowling efforts from Shahab Alam, who was named Player of the Match for his stellar figures of 6/37 and 3/45.

In their first innings, Army posted 225/9d, with Imran Sheikh (42), Bhim Sharki (52), and Basir Ahamad (67) contributing solidly with the bat.

Despite some resistance from Madhesh’s bowlers, particularly Ranjit Kumar (5/44), the Army’s total proved challenging.

Madhesh, in response, was bowled out for just 102. Army's bowlers, led by Shahab Alam, dismantled Madhesh's batting lineup, with Alam taking an incredible 6 wickets and Basir Ahamad (1/18) and Sompal Kami (1/20) also making crucial breakthroughs.

Madhesh's top scorer, Harishankar Shah, managed only 31 as the rest of the team struggled to make significant contributions.

Following on, Madhesh's second innings fared no better, as they were again dismissed for 150. Alam continued his heroics, taking 3 wickets for 45 to finish with a match-winning total of 9 wickets.

Basir Ahamad also impressed, claiming 4 wickets for 23, while Mayan Yadav top-scored for Madhesh with a fighting 49. Niraj Yadav (17) and Abhisekh Tiwari (19) also chipped in, but the overall effort was not enough to save Madhesh from defeat.

With just 28 runs required for victory, Army chased down the target comfortably, reaching 30/2. Imran Sheikh (8*) and Basir Ahamad (4*) guided the team to victory despite late wickets from Pradip Paswan, who dismissed Trit Raj Das (13) and Santosh Karki (4).