It was the match that produced just 168 runs apart from two splendid bowling figures. It also confirmed the semifinal berth for Biratnagar and Kathmandu and ended Baitadi’s campaign in the Wai Wai U-19 National Cricket Tournament with the second defeat.
In a low scoring match, Region No 1 Biratnagar beat Region No 6 Baitadi by 14 runs at the TU Cricket Ground.
After electing to bat first, Biratnagar were surprised by good opening bowling by Chandra Saud. Chandra took 3/23 to bring down Biratnagar to 24/3 in seventh over. Then it was Pradeep Aire, who did the damage taking five wickets. His 5/18 ensured Baitadi would not have to score three figures for the victory.
Only Rajan Khanal played patiently to score 21 runs off 33 balls before being trapped leg before by Prem Budal who also trapped Ram Bhandari (19) leg before. Despite the brilliant bowling in terms of wickets, Baitadi was not disciplined as they gave away 35 extra runs – 23 of them in wides.
Baitadi’s reply was poorer. They were down to 27/4 as Santosh Baral took 3/23 and Biratnagar sensing the possibility of defending the low score. Eraj Shrestha blasted through the tail-ender taking 5/26 and ending the Baitadi innings in 71 runs.
Only Pradeep (13) reached the double figure while last man Chandra Saud, Naresh Budair and Padam KC each got 9 runs. On Monday, Region No 2 Biratnagar takes on Region No 5 Nepalgunj in the Group A match.
Brief score: Biratnagar 91 in 22.5 overs (R Khanal 21, P Aire 5/18, C Saud 3/23, P Budal 2/19) defeated Baitadi 71 in 34.2 overs (P Aire 13, E Shrestha 5/26, S Baral 3/23) by 14 runs.