Khakurel propels Nepal Telecom to huge victory

KATHMANDU: Subash Khakurel and Naresh Budhayer scored centuries as Nepal Telecom thrashed Nepal SBI Bank by 193 runs in the UWTC Inter-corporate Twenty20 Cricket Tournament here at the Tundikhel grounds on Saturday.

Batting first, Nepal Telecom amassed 272-2 in 20 overs before restricting Nepal SBI Bank for 79 runs in 12.3 overs. Subash Khakurel scored an unbeaten 147 off just 66 balls hitting 20 fours and six sixes, while Budhayer scored a quick fire 115 off 49 balls that included seven fours and 12 sixes. Min Gurung took 2-39 in four over for SBI Bank. Khakurel was named the man of the match.

In reply, apart from Manish Shahi’s half century others failed to score in double figures. Shahi scored 53 off

31 balls hitting six fours and three sixes. Hari Krishna Shrestha and Sunam Gautam took three wickets each for Nepal Telecom. Dhirendra Lal Shrestha and Sudan Silwal also claimed one wicket apiece.

In the other match, Sunrise Bank earned walkover win from Bank of Kathmandu. After the day’s results, Nepal Telecom from Group A and Casino Everest from Group B entered the semi-finals as group winners. Nepal Telecom accumulated nine points from three matches, while Everest Casino earned seven from three matches.

Casino Royale have three points and SBI and Casino Shangri-La have one each in Group A. Sunrise Bank have four points from two matches in Group B, while Everest Bank have three. Bank of Kathmandu are out with out earning any point.

Other two berths for the semi-finals will be decided after Sunday’s matches. Casino Royal will take on Nepal SBI Bank and Sunrise Bank will play Everest Bank.