Buddha Shanti: The inaugural Inter-Municipal T20 Cricket Tournament kicked off with a bang, as Kankai pulled off a dominant 72-run victory over Barhadashi in a nail-biting encounter. The tournament, organized by the Barkha Memorial Trust Buddha Shanti-3, witnessed stellar performances from both sides, but Kankai’s all-around dominance proved too much to handle.

Barhadashi started strong, electing to bowl first and grabbing an early wicket. However, Kankai’s middle order rose to the occasion. Ayush Neupane’s blazing knock of 45 runs and Saurav Bimali’s destructive 44 runs in 20-ball innings propelled Kankai to a competitive 182 runs. Despite Rohan Karki’s three-wicket haul for Barhadashi, Kankai’s batting firepower set a challenging target.

Chasing a challenging total, Barhadashi batters Jahid Alam, 33 and Irshad Alam offered hope with brisk 34s. But Kankai’s bowling attack, led by the sensational Kushal Neupane, tightened the screws. Neupane’s four economical wickets for just 14 runs and Ayush Neupane’s crucial scalps dismantled Baradashi’s chase, leaving them 72 runs short.

Ayush Neupane’s all-round brilliance, with both bat and ball, earned him the well-deserved Man of the Match award. His power-hitting and miserly bowling were instrumental in Kankai’s convincing win.The excitement continues tomorrow as Buddha Shanti takes on Mechi Nagar in the first match of Day 2, followed by Haldibari facing Gauriganj.