Himalayan News Service

Lalitpur, January 8:

Shakti Gauchan took five wickets and Sharad Vesawkar scored half century as Baluwatar Cricket Club defeated Rudramati Cricket Club by four wickets in the semi-final of the Shyam Chaitanya Baba Memorial Winter Trophy Cricket Tournament here today.

Batting first after winning the toss at St Xavier’s School ground, Rudramati were bowled out for 138 runs in 32.2 overs. Pramod Basnet top-scored in the innings with 41 off 53 balls including four boundaries and three sixes, while Binod Khadka hit four fours in his 27-ball 25. Sudeep Sharma scored 13 off 24 balls, Ritesh scored 11 0ff 60 balls and Sunil Thapa remained unbeaten on 10 off nine balls.

For Baluwatar, Shakti Gauchan returned with the figures of 6.2-2-5-5, while Sharad Vesawkar took three wickets conceding 26 runs in five overs. In reply, Baluwatar Cricket Club overcame the target losing six wickets in 20.5 overs, riding on Sharad Vesawkar’s half century. The national team batsman scored a quick fire 51 off 47 balls including eight fours and a six.

Shakti Gauchan hit four boundaries in his unbeaten 31 off 37 balls. Paras Khadka scored 10 off 21 balls and Nagendra Bhattarai scored six off just two balls.

For Rudramati, Sudeep Sharma took four wickets — including three in an over, Paras Khadka (10), Anil Amatya (0), and Nagendra Bhattarai (6), — conceding 51 runs in seven overs. Pramod Basnet claimed two wickets giving away 25 runs in six overs.

Shakti Gauchan of Baluwatar was named the man of the match and also pocketed Rs 500 for five-wicket haul, while Sharad Vesawkar earned Rs 500 for half century. The batsmen hitting six were awarded Rs 50 each. The prizes were sponsored by Upendra Bhattarai, president of Baluwatar Cricket Club.

Baluwatar Cricket Club will take on Mahavir Club in Monday’s final at TU Stadium.