Aaish Bhattarai and Deepak Bohara struck a half century each to steer Province 3 to a convincing 90-run win over Province 4 in the inaugural match of the U-16 Cricket League on Tuesday.

Electing to bat first at the Tribhuvan University Stadium, Province 3 posted a mammoth 210-6 in their allotted 30 overs. Province 4 could only manage 120-6 in 30 overs in reply.

Openers Bhattarai and Bohara put on a 104-run stand for the first wicket to lay the foundation for Province 3 victory. Man-of-the-match Bhattarai struck 82 off 71 balls with 10 hits to the fence, while Bohara slammed a quickfire 52 runs, his 38-ball knock included nine boundaries.

Prashant Kunwar also contributed a patient 32 off 49 balls while Abhisek Upadhayaya made 19 and Krish Karki unbeaten 12. Abhisekh Thapa and Roshan Neupane claimed two wickets each while Aditya Thapa bag one for Province 4.

In reply opener Arjun Kumal top scored for Province 4 with 53-ball 38. Kumar struck five boundaries in his innings. Five Province 4 batsmen—Abhisekh Thapa (17), Aditya Thapa 14 not out), Madan Subedi (11 not out), Sarad Tiwari (10) and Roshan Neupane (10)—got starts but were unable to convert them into big scores. Province 4 eventually fell way short of their target.  Tilak Bhandari took two, while Bibek Darai, Deepak Bohara and Aaish Bhattarai grabbed one wicket each for Province 3.

In all seven provinces are participating in the tournament organised by Youth and Sports Ministry in coordination with National Sports Council. The tournament also serves as cricketers’ selection for the upcoming ACC U-16 Eastern Region Tournament to be held in Chiang Mai Thailand on April 18-29.