APF thump Madhesh to enter final

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Nov. 11: APF Club thumped Madhesh Province by seven wickets on Thursday to sail into the final at the 5th PM Cup One Day National Cricket for the third time. 

The departmental side cruised into the final for the third time.  APF reached the final of the second and fourth editions of the tournament.

APF will meet the winner of the second semi-finals match between Tribhuvan Army Club and Nepal Police Club in the final on Saturday. The second semi-finals will be held at T.U Cricket Ground on Friday. 

Madhesh batted first only to be all-out in 31 overs with 122-run on board. Title favourite APF eased to the 123-run victory target in 21.3 overs. 

Lokesh Bam chipped in run-a-ball 35 remaining not out at a crease. Opener Pradeep Airee (33) and Aasif Sheikh (25) also made significant contribution for the APF. Rupesh Singh grabbed two wickets for Madhesh. 

Earlier, Kamal Airee claimed four wickets to help APF dismiss Madesh for low score.

Bhuvan Karki and Mousom Dhakal also dismissed two batters to stop Madesh from reaching its first final. 

The batting of the Madesh was shaky throughout the innings losing wickets in frequent interval. 

Tail ender Rupesh Singh scored a highest 36 runs for Madhesh. Opener Santosh Karki (20) and Imran Sheikh (16) also chipped in for the losing team.