Baitadi Tastes Victory (vs Nepalgunj)

At Lab Ground, the two minnows fought and Region No 6 Baitadi registered their first win – not counting the win they achieved because of Nepalgunj’s forfeit two years ago. The four-wicket win came against the same opponent – Region No 5 Nepalgunj.

Batting first, Nepalgunj rode on captain’s knock by Mahesh Chhetri to score 215 in 49.4 overs. Mahesh scored 58 off 102 balls with eight fours and added 112 runs with Anupam Singh. Anupam himself got 46 off 77 balls and missed the deserving half-century as Dhirendra Chand bowled him clean.

Apart from Sandeep Shrestha’s 30 off 48 deliveries and Nirmal KC’s unbeaten 27 off 28 balls, no other batsmen really had good knock but it was enough to take them to a good total.

Sher Singh Khatri and Chandra Saud each took three wickets – Chandra sweeping the tailenders, while the captain got two. Binod Chhetri claimed one.

Baitadi had not had a best start losing Dev Narayan Jha (6) and Uttam Bhatta (10) early to Meraj Ansari but some good knocks – especially from Padam KC, Binod Bhandari and Navin Chand – ensured they register their first win.

Opener Navin got 24 off 40 balls while Binod hit 32 off 40. After Navin was out at 54 as third wicket, Binod anchored the innings adding 61 runs with Padam. Man of the match Padam remained unbeaten on 68 off 85 balls with nine fours and a six, and took his team to the victory.

During the end, it was Dhirendra Chand who blitzed the innings with run-a-ball 36 with five fours and a six and when he was out at the last ball of 36th over, his team needed just four runs for win. Sher Singh got the perfect four in the first ball he faced bringing in joyous moment for his teammates.

On Sunday, Region No 3 Kathmandu plays Region No 2 Birgunj.