Kathmandu, June 14:

Star-studded Region No 3 (Kathmandu) registered a hard-fought 20-run win over Region No 6 (Baitadi) in the inaugural match of the Shikhar Senior One-day National Cricket Tournament at the TU Stadium today.

Put into bat first by Baitadi skipper Dhirendra Chand, Kathmandu were all out for 131 runs in 32.3 overs, thanks to a 31-run stand between Dipen Shrestha (18) and Avay Rana (unbeaten nine runs) for the eighth wicket.

Earlier, a patient 67-ball 33 from opener Yaswant Subedi anchored the Kathmandu innings after losing their skipper Paresh Lohani for four. Yaswant twisted his ankle while fielding and did not return. Paceman Chandra Saud returned with 4-34 in 10 overs while Dhirendra Chand took three wickets conceding 33 runs in 7.3 overs for Baitadi. Rajendra Bahadur Chand bagged two and Sher Singh Khatri claimed one wicket.

In reply, Baitadi were dismissed for 108 runs chasing the revised target of 129 runs off 48 overs after rain briefly halted play.

Baitadi were reeling at 39-5 in the 17.1 overs. But a stand of 30 runs between Deepak Malla (44) and Dhirendra Chand (14) brought Baitadi back into the game.

Chand’s unfortunate run out in the 27th over changed the complexion of the game and the remaining hopes soon disappeared when Raj Shrestha bowled Deepak Malla in the 30th over.

Sher Singh Khatri (19) and Dev Narayan Jha guided Baitadi past three figures with 28-run partnership for the eighth wicket. Baitadi lost their last three wickets without adding a single run to the total (108).

Man of the match Avay Rana finished with 4-24 in his 7.3 over spell while Aamir Akhtar took two wickets for Kathmandu. Paras Khadka and Raj Shrestha also bagged one wicket apiece.

Region No 2 (Birgunj) will take on Region No 5 (Nepalgunj) on Friday.