Police seize women's cricket gold

By Pramod Joshi, Pokhara, Oct. 18: Nepal Police Club clean swept the gold medal in cricket of the 9th National Games after winning the women's final at the cricket ground of Pokhara Cricket Complex on Tuesday. 

Police defeated APF Club by five runs in the thrilling final. Police also clinched the men's cricket gold by beating Nepal Army one month ago at TU Cricket Ground, Kirtipur.

Police made a statement with a victory in its debut at the women's cricket. 

Electing to bat first, Police posted a medium score of 89 runs losing four wickets in the 20 overs. APF, in reply, managed to add 84-run losing seven wickets. APF needed 18 runs in the last two overs. But Roma Thapa being run out in the direct throw of Apsari Begam opened the door for Police Club's victory. 

Roma chipped in 26-run off 19 balls whereas Rajmati Airee remained not out with 12 runs.

Ishwori Bista picked two wickets in the victory of the Police. Rubina Chhetry, Hiranmayi Roy and Sangita Rai also claimed one wicket apiece for Police Club. 

Earlier, Opener Kajal Shrestha added 27-run facing 55 balls. Samjhana Khadka (21), Kabita Kunwar (11) and Kabita Joshi (not out 13) contributed to Police. 

Nary Thapa, Indu Verma and Sita Rana Magar bagged one wicket each. Nary was adjudged the best player of the tournament. 

Bagmati Province defeated Lumbini Province by seven wickets to win the bronze medal. Batting first, Lumbini collected 87/9 in 20 overs.

Bagmati achieved the target in the 16.1 overs with 89/3 on the scoreboard.