Nepal Armed Police Force (APF) and Western Region started the Indian Ambassador Cricket Cup T20 Tournament in winning notes on Sunday. APF defeated Central Region by 88 runs while Western Region thrashed Eastern Region by 122 runs.
A century-knock from Subash Khakurel and a half century from Paresh Lohani guided APF for the total of 199 runs in allotted 20 overs losing only a wicket. Lohani and Khakurel shared a 187-run partnership for the first wicket. Lohani completed his 50 runs in 35 balls while Khakurel was not out on century in just 66 balls.
Lohani struck eight boundaries and four huge sixes for his half century while Khakurel hit nine boundaries and four sixes. Mehboob Alam was not out with 11 runs off five balls. Avinash Karna grabbed a wicket for Central Region.
In chasing the total of 200 runs, Central Region could manage to score 111 runs in 20 overs losing eight wickets. Binod Das was unbeaten with 43 runs off 53 balls. Rajesh Pulami scored 26 runs off 25 balls. Mehaboob Alam grabbed two wickets while Shakti Gauchan, Paras Khadka, Basanta Regmi and Sunam Gautam shared a wicket each.
Gupta shines for Western Region
Earlier, in the inaugural match of the tournament, quick-fire knock of 93 runs from Aakash Gupta guided Western Region for a total of 212 runs for the loss of six wickets. Man-of-the-match Gupta scored 93 runs off just 29 balls with five boundaries and 11 sixes.
Dipesh Khatri scored 43 runs off 30 balls that included three boundaries and as many sixes. Khatri and Gupta shared a 133-run partnership for the fifth wickets. Sagar Pun scored 24 runs off 18 balls and Fazlur Rehman scored 17 runs off 14 balls. Hari Chaulagai and Puspa Thapa shared two wickets each while Manjeet Shretha and Amit Dahal grabbed a wicket each.