Baitadi (Region No 6) has lifted the trophy of Wai Wai U-19 National Cricket Championship for the second time. In the final played today, Baitadi defeated Pokhara (Region no 8) by 96 runs at the TU Cricket Ground.
Baitadi skipper and man-of-the-match Prem Tamang lifted his team with both bat and ball as Pokhara batsmen flopped in the final.
Baitadi started badly, losing both its openers with just 16 runs on board, after being put in to bat first. But Baitadi middle order batsmen saved the day putting up a challenging total of 153 runs in 49 overs losing all wickets in the process.
Yogendra Karki scored the highest 25 runs while Prem and Arun Airee contributed 23 and 20 runs.
Three Pokhara bowlers — Dipesh Shrestha, Sushil Kandel and Bipin Khatri — claimed two wickets each.
The winning Team Baitadi
Pokhara’s opening skipper Khem Raj Poudel failed to find a partner who could stay on the wicket, as wickets fell one after the other. Pokhara could just manage 57 runs, losing all wickets in 23.5 overs. Poudel scored the highest, 21 runs, as eight of Pokhara batsmen failed to touch double digits. Three of its players were out without scoring.
Rajesh Lamsal (12) was the only other batsman to put up double figures.
Prem was the pick of Baitadi bowlers with three wickets to his name. He gave away18 runs in his 6.5 over spell. Yogendra and Dhiraj Jairu picked up two wickets apiece.
The runners-up – Team Pokhara
Baitadi also pocketed Rs 25,000, by virtue of winning the title, while Pokhara got Rs 15,000.
With three man-of-the-match award in the series, Prem also took the man-of-the-series award and cash prize of Rs 10,000.
Baitadi’s Yogendra karki was named the best batsman award with highest 137 runs in three matches. He received Rs 5,000. Arjun Chapagain of Dhangadhi was named the best bowler for his 12 wickets in 4 matches. He also received Rs 5,000.
Dhangadi took fair play award and Rs 5,000 in cash.