Armed Police Force finished at the top in two out of two cricket finals, taking both the men’s and women’s title at the 6th National Games.
In the final, APF men’s team defeated Central Region by 6 wickets, while the women’s team defeated Eastern Region by 28 runs. This was the first time APF women’s team played in nationals. It was formed only a year ago.
Women's APF team after winning gold at 6th National Games (in Mahendranagar)
At the Covered Hall grounds, Central Region won the toss and posted 144 runs. APF chased it own with an over to spare.
For APF, Paresh Lohani scored 38 off 23 deliveries, with 2 sixes and 5 fours. Sharad Veswakar and Gyanendra Malla added 27 and 22. Towards the end, Mehboob Alam blasted 21 off 14 deliveries. For Central Region, Hasim Ansari took 2, as Nischal Pandey and Naresh Raj Giri took one each.
Earlier, Rajesh Pulami scored 43 for Eastern Region. Anil Mandal scored quick 38 in 27 balls and Hasim Ansari scored 24. Basant Regmi continued his form with ball, taking 4 wickets for 16 runs. Amrit Bhattarai took 2 and captain Paras Khadka managed a single wicket.
In the other final on the day, APF women’s team posted 106 for 6. Halfway through the innings, the score was 45 for no loss. Sita Ranamagar scored 47 runs. Madhu Thapa added another 27.
Bowling for Eastern Region, Anuradha Chowdhary took 2wickets.
Chasing less than run-a-ball, Eastern region managed 78 in 20 overs, losing 7 wickets. APF’s Rubina Chhetri took two wickets for 11, after 4-over spell. Prema Gurung scored the highest 16 runs for Eastern Region. Kavita Gautam and Anuradha Chowdhary scored 14 and 10.
Photo courtesy: Bikram Giri