Cricket
Armed Police Force secured a place in the semi-finals of the Prime Minister's Cup National One-Day Cricket Tournament with a 44-run victory over Karnali Province at the TU Ground on Saturday.
Asif Sheikh scored a fine century as APF made 234 runs in 47.2 overs after being put into bat. Karnali were bowled out for 190 in 48.1 overs.
The unbeaten APF are at the top of Group A with 7 points from three wins in four games and a tie.
Sheikh made 130 runs laced with 15 fours and a six in 136 balls. Asif hit captain Ravindrajung Shahi for a boundary on the first ball of the 41st over to complete his century. He was adjudged player of the match later.
It is the third century in this competition. Dipendra Singh Airee of Nepal Police made 108 runs against Bagmati and Ankit Subedi of Province 1 hit 110 runs also against Bagmati.
However, the rest of the APF batters struggled against spirited Karnali bowling. Sheikh almost carried his bat through the APF innings but was last wicket to fall as Prakash Jaishi castled him.
APF made a decent start to their innings, as Sheikh and fellow opener Pradeep Airee shared an opening stand of 47 runs. Airee made 20 runs off 29 balls with two fours and a six. He was bowled by Dinesh Adhikari.
The APF middle order failed to live up to the expectations as they were reduced to 103-5 after 23 overs. Bhuvan Karki was the second biggest contributor for APF, scoring a run-a-ball 23.
For Karnali, Dipendra Rawat took three wickets for 28 runs with a maiden in 10 overs.
Prakash Jaishi also picked up three wickets but was quite expensive, giving away 57 runs in 7.2 overs. Dewan Pun took two wickets for 33 runs with a maiden in 10 overs.
Chasing 235 runs for victory, Karnali lost Bipin Rawal on eight. APF fast bowler Kamal Singh Airee bowled him for one run.
Karnali captain and opener Rabindra Shahi held on to one end of the crease, making 80 runs. His was the last Karnali wicket to fall, bowled by Puran BK.
Anuj Gharti, who joined opener Rabindra Shahi in the middle, made 27 runs off 21 balls before becoming the second victim of Kamal Singh Airee.
Rabindra Shahi and Bipin Shahi then tried to repair the damage, putting on 59 runs for the third wicket. But Bipin holed out a catch to Pradeep Airee of the bowling of Sharad Vesawker for 34 with the total three short of 100.
APF bowlers wrestled home the advantage as Karnali lost five wickets for 28 runs on 118-7 after 30 overs. Dinesh Adhikari showed some courage, contributing 20 runs with two fours and a six in 17 balls. Rabindra Shahi and Anuj Chanara shared 31 runs for the last wicket.
Spinner Mausam Dhakal was the most successful APF bowler with four wickets, giving away 51 runs in 10 overs. Bhuvan Karki and Kamal Singh Airee each picked up two wickets.
