Armed Police Force (APF) Club defended the Pepsi Standard Chartered National One-Day Cricket Tournament title despite a century by Region No 4 Bhairahawa’s Faljur Rahman Khan.
Helped by Faljur’s 125, Bhairahawa posted 221 runs in 50 overs. APF Club needed 34.1 overs to surpass the score with national captain Paras Khadka leading the way to 6-wicket victory.
APF won the toss and invited Bhairahawa to bat first. Apart from Faljur, Bhairahawa’s batsmen could not settle against bowling attack of APF.
Subash Pradhan scored 28 while Sarad Vesawkar was the most successful bowler taking 3 wickets.
Faljur Rahman Khan celebrates hitting century in the final.
In reply, APF Club’s star lineup lived up the expectations as every batsmen chipping in useful runs. Paras topscored with 86 not out with 10 fours and 3 sixes while Subash Khakurel also got his half-century before being out on 60.
Sarad, who hit a six for the victory, got 29 not out in 26 balls. Paresh Lohani (25) and Gyanendra Malla (23) also contributed in the victory.
Sushan Bhari was the most successful of Bhairahawa’s bowler taking a couple of wickets.
Although, Faljur could not won the title for his team, he received a couple of accolades. He was chosen the man of the final and emerging player of the tournament. His team mate Sagar Pun took the man of the series award.
APF Club’s Basant Regmi received the prize of best bowler and Birgunj’s Amit Shrestha was declared the best batsman. For Amit, who has never played for the national team, it was a worthy achievement.
Minister for Finance Barshaman Pun gave away the prizes.