Tribhuvan Army Club crowned Nepal national T20 champions

Tribhuwan Army Club: Nepal National T20 Champion

Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) defeated defending Champions Armed Police Force (APF) by five wickets to win their maiden title on their debut appearance in the Nepal national T20 Championship held at Tribhuvan University Ground in Kathmandu.

It is the seventh edition of the championship which was title-sponsored by Pepsi and Standard Chartered Bank.

The final match was delayed due to a wet outfield and the slight drizzle due to the previous-night rain. After the outfield was dry, the match was reduced to 16 overs per side.

Defending champions Armed Police Force (APF) won the toss and decided to bat first on a damp slow outfield and Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) restricted them to 112/7 in 16 overs.

Nepal national team player Pradeep Airee top scored with 27 runs and APF skipper Paras Khadka added 16 for APF. Rahul B.K. and Chandra Sawad took two wickets each while Avinash Karn for TAC.

Chasing the target of 113 in 16 overs, man of the match Binod Bhandari scored 30* and played a vital role to secure victory. Earlier, Anil Mandal started the innings at the top with 23 runs for TAC.

TAC reached the target in 15.2 overs and won the final. Skipper Paras Khadka and leg spinner Shaki Gauchan took two wickets each for APF.

TAC also received a cash prize of NRs. 1, 25,000 while APF was awarded with a cash prize of NRs. 75,000.

Gyanendra Malla (APF) was declared with best batsman while Mahesh Chhetri (Nepalgunj) was adjudged player of the championship. Akash Bista from Region 5 grabbed best bowler award along with emerging player of the championship.