Kathmandu: The Nepal Police Club (NPC) emerged victorious in the Jay Trophy men's elite cup cricket tournament, defeating the Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) by 28 runs in the final held at Narayani Cricket Ground in Birgunj.

Chasing a target of 103 runs set by the NPC, TAC was bowled out for 74 runs in 29.2 overs during the second session of the third day. Imran Sheikh top-scored for TAC with 28 runs, while Sompal Kami and Binod Bhandari contributed 11 runs each. No other batsman managed to reach double figures, as NPC's Sagar Dhakal delivered a stunning performance, taking 6 wickets, and Lalit Rajbanshi added 4 wickets to seal the victory.

Earlier in the match, NPC was bowled out for 139 runs in their second innings, giving TAC a target of 103 runs. NPC had resumed the third day's play at 132 runs for the loss of nine wickets, managing to add just 7 more runs before losing their final wicket. Sagar Dhakal remained unbeaten on 6 runs, while Lalit Rajbanshi was dismissed by Basir Ahmed as the last wicket.

In NPC's batting lineup, Kushal Bhurtel scored a solid 45 runs, Dilip Nath contributed 34, and Rashid Khan added 18 runs. For TAC, bowlers Basir Ahmed and Sahab Alam each claimed 5 wickets in the second innings.

In the first innings, NPC declared their innings at 133 runs for the loss of 9 wickets, with opener Kushal Bhurtel scoring a standout 51 runs. Arjun Saud added 28, Amit Shrestha chipped in with 20, and Rashid Khan contributed 10. Sahab Alam delivered a stellar performance for TAC, taking 7 wickets, while Sompal Kami and Basir Ahmed grabbed one wicket each.

TAC responded with 170 runs in their first innings, taking a lead of 37 runs. Bhim Sarki top-scored for TAC with 58 runs, followed by Basir Ahmed with 40, Sompal Kami with 32, and Binod Bhandari with 14. For NPC, Sagar Dhakal took 5 wickets, while Kushal Bhurtel claimed 3 wickets, and Lalit Rajbanshi and Gulshan Jha picked up 1 wicket each.

The victory marks a significant achievement for the Nepal Police Club, showcasing outstanding performances from key players like Sagar Dhakal and Kushal Bhurtel.