Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) prevailed in a departmental duel defeating Nepal Police Club (NPC) by 83 runs to claim the title of the Manmohan Memorial Cup One Day National cricket tournament here on Saturday. 

Electing to bat first, a half century from Rajesh Pulami Magar and gritty innings from Kushal Malla guided the Armymen to 249-8 in 50 overs. NPC, in reply, were bundled out for just 166 runs in 42.5 overs. Along with the title, TAC collected a cash purse of Rs 401,000. Runners-up NPC got Rs 201,000.

Opener Amit Shrestha top score for NPC in the top order with a 50-ball 25 hitting four boundaries but in no time they were left reeling at 54-6 in 17.6 overs after left arm spinner Shahab Alam picked up three wickets. Yogendra Singh Karki tried to keep NPC in the game with a 68-run sixth wicket partnership for the seventh wicket with Himanshu Dutta. 

But once Malla removed Karki, NPC were thrown out of contest. Karki top scored with a 59-ball 51 that included seven boundaries and a six. Dutta made 29 off 61 with two fours and a six. Dipesh Shrestha (17) and Prem Tamang (17) were other NPC batsmen to reach double figures. Alam (3-23) and Malla (3-33) shared six wickets between them. 

Earlier, Rajesh Pulami Magar top scored for the Armymen making a 129-ball 69. Man-of-the-final Malla fell just one run short of half century. Shrestha took three and Ranmnaresh Giri had two scalps for NPC.

NPC wicketkeeper batsman Dilip Nath was adjudged the best player of the tournament and got Rs 51,000. Bhim Sharki of TAC was named the best batsman and another NPC spinner Sagar Dhakal was adjudged the best bowler. They got Rs 20,000 apiece. Saroj Basnet of Inaruwa was named the emerging player and got Rs 10,000.