NPC hands Madhesh Province innings defeat in Jay Trophy

KATHMANDU: Nepal Police Club (NPC) defeated Madhesh Province by an innings and 35 runs in Match No. 3 of the Jay Trophy Men’s Elite Cup 2024 in Birgunj on Thursday.

NPC, which had gained a 45-run lead on the first day, declared its innings at 258/4 in 59 overs, forcing Madhesh into a follow-on. It then bundled out Madhesh Province for 94 runs in the second innings to clinch an emphatic victory.

NPC, which resumed batting at 174/3 on Thursday morning, extended its lead as captain Aarif Sheikh scored 40, Shankar Rana added 31 and Arjun Saud, who was out retired hurt, contributed 22 runs. NPC declared when it reached 258 runs with one over remaining

Harishankar Shah claimed two wickets for Madhesh, while Rupesh Singh and Abhishek Tiwari chipped in with a wicket each.

Madhesh Province struggled in their second innings, with captain Harishankar Shah dismissed for a duck. Mayan Yadav scored 22 off 45 balls, Himanshu Dutta added 17 off 43 balls and Bishal Patel chipped in with 27 runs. However, other Madhesh batters failed to reach double digits.

Kushal Bhurtel was the standout bowler for NPC, with a five-wicket haul, while Gulshan Jha grabbed three and Lalit Rajbanshi claimed two.

With this victory, NPC earned 25 points, including 15 bonus points, while Madhesh Province managed only six points.