Arjun Kumal continued his outstanding PM Cup campaign with a second century of the season as Gandaki Province beat Lumbini Province by eight wickets in Match 39 at Narayani Cricket Ground, Birgunj.
Lumbini batted first and posted 207 all out in 45 overs. Santosh Yadav led the innings with 82 off 77 balls, hitting nine fours and a six, while Salahuddin Khan added 60 off 77. The pair repaired the innings after Lumbini had slipped to 69 for 6, but the lower order could not push the total beyond 207.
Gandaki's bowlers shared the wickets well. Bipin Khatri was the standout with 4 for 37, while Aprajit Paudel picked up 3 for 44. Cibrin Shrestha took 2 wickets as Gandaki fought back strongly in the second half of the innings.
In reply, Gandaki chased the target with authority. Arjun remained unbeaten on 103 off 130 balls, striking 13 fours and a six. He added 95 for the first wicket with Cibrin Shrestha, who made 43, and then carried the chase through with calm control. Deepak Dumre supported him at the end with an unbeaten 25 as Gandaki reached 211 for 2 in 44.1 overs, sealing victory with 35 balls to spare.
The hundred was Arjun's second of this year's PM Cup, following his earlier century against Koshi Province. This latest knock came against Lumbini and took him to 498 runs in eight innings, making him the leading run-scorer of the tournament. He had also finished as the leading scorer in the 2025 PM Cup with 374 runs in nine innings at an average of 41.55.
With Nepal still to name its squad for the upcoming home ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series, Arjun Kumal has put himself in contention with his form in the PM Cup. If the selectors are looking for an in-form batting option, his name is now difficult to overlook.
