Cricket

Karnali Province registered their first victory in the U-19 National Tournament, pulling off a thrilling two-wicket win over Madhesh Province on Sunday.

Madhesh were all out for 135 runs in 41.5 after they won the toss and chose to bat first at the Mulpani Cricket Ground.

Karnali chased down the target in 34.4 overs for the loss of eight wickets for their first win in three matches. After a five-wicket defeat to Sudurpaschim on Friday, Karnali lost to Lumbini by six wickets on Saturday.  

Openers Shailendra Shah and Mayan Yadav gave Madhesh a decent start, sharing 45 runs in 11.3 over. Yadav made 18 runs playing 32 balls before being dismissed. Shah made 31 runs off 48 balls with five fours

Madhesh was in a strong position of 74-2 in 15.5 overs and were looking for a total past 200. However, Karnali bowlers mounted pressure on Madhesh middle order, as Meghraj Singh (16), Imran Sheikh (5), Sharfraz Mansuri (15) and W Malik (15) failed to bother the scorers long enough. 

Younis Bikram Singh picked up five wickets giving away 35 runs in 10 overs with two maidens. Mohan BK and Awash Singh both took two wickets each.

Chasing 136 runs for victory, Karnali suffered an early blow when captain Bipin Rawal was out for a duck. 

But the other opener, Minash Thapa, and Anirudha Kunwar shared 46 runs for the second wicket to steady the ship. Minash played a well-paced knock of 32 runs that came off 34 balls with five fours and a six. 

Madhesh bowlers, especially Ranjit Kumar bowled superb middle overs to pick wickets at regular intervals. 

Kunwar hit 16 from 29 balls with the help of two fours. Kunwar’s departure put Karnali in a spot of bother as lost consecutive wickets as Subas Airee was dismissed for 14, Awas Shah (12) and Sandeep Shahi (5). 

However, Mohan BK, played an anchoring role with an unbeaten 38 runs. His 40-ball inning included six fours and secured Karnali victory, hitting Rajesh Yadav for a boundary.

Kumar of Madhesh took five wickets for 23 runs in 10 overs with three maidens. Abjit Mandal took two wickets and Rajesh Yadav took one wicket.