KATHMANDU, March 3: The host team Great Himalayan Cricket Academy (GHCA) has secured the title of Himalayan Cricket League in Kathmandu on Monday. GHCA defeated Kathmandu Cricket Training Center (KCTC) by a wicket in a low-scoring thriller during the final match held in Mulpani Cricket Ground.
GHCA chased the target of 115 runs in the fourth innings as lower order batsmen made crucial contributions. The winning team resumed the second day on 45 runs for the loss of four wickets. Aayush Basnet top-scored with 27 runs. Similarly, skipper Rashid Khan scored 18 runs batting at number eight to lead the late charge for the chase. Sonu Devkota, batting at number nine, scored 13 runs and Prashan Singh held his nerves to stay unbeaten on 16 runs adding 23 runs with Devkota.
Earlier, a total of 34 wickets spanned through four innings, fell on the first day of the U-19 two-day cricket grand final match. KCTC was dismissed twice whereas GHCA was reduced to 45 runs for the loss of four wickets.
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GHCA had won the toss and invited KCTC to bat first. The first innings of the match lasted 24.3 overs as KCTC was bundled-out for 80 runs. Ariya Poudel was pick of the bowlers with three wickets. Mohammad Hussain, Bibek Yadav and Sonu Devkota shared two wickets each whereas GHCA skipper Rashid Khan chipped in with a wicket.
In reply, GHCA was shot-out for 62 runs in 29.4 overs. Surya Tamang continued his golden form, registering another seven wicket haul in the tournament. Similarly, leg-spinner Tilak Raj Bhandari chipped in with remaining three wickets to give KCTC the lead after the completion of respective first innings.
The batting woes continued for both sides as KCTC again failed to reach triple figures. Rashid Khan scalped a five-wicket haul to help dismiss KCTC for 96 runs in 28 overs. Likewise, Paudel picked four wickets assisted by Devkota’s a wicket in the innings.
GHCA needed 69 runs to win at start of the second day.
GHCA’s Mohammad Aasif Sheikh was adjudged the best batsman of the league. Sheikh scored 192 runs in two matches including a century before missing the final match. Likewise, KCTC’s leg-spinner Tilak Raj Bhandari who picked up a six-wicket-haul in the fourth innings and a total of 21 wickets in three matches was adjudged the best bowler. Similarly, the highest wicket-taker of the series, Surya Tamang, 29 wickets in three matches, was adjudged the player-of-the-series. In a tournament dominated by the bowlers, GHCA’s Ariya Poudel was adjudged the emerging player of the league.
