Bagmati Province and Armed Police Force (APF) club registered a crucial win on match-day 15 of Prime Minister (PM) Cup Men’s National Tournament. Summary of Saturday’s fixture:
Lumbini Province vs Bagmati Province – Kirtipur
Lumbini – 106/10 (32.2 overs)
Bagmati: 107/4 (17.2 overs)
Bagmati won by 6 wickets
POTM – Surya Tamang
Bagmati secured a victory against Lumbini in the final group-stage match, keeping their hopes alive for a top-two finish. With 12 points from nine matches, they are in contention. Police, with 12 points from six matches, are vying for the top spot. Meanwhile, Army Club has the potential to surpass Bagmati by winning their remaining three matches, or even two, considering their superior Net Run Rate (NRR).
Invited to bat first, Lumbini were bowled out for just 106 in 32.2 overs. Surya Tamang dismantled their batting order with a six-wicket haul (10-2-26-5). This was Surya’s third fifer of the tournament. Captain Sushant Thapa top-scored with 28 runs whilst Nirmal Gurung scored 27* runs.
In response, Bagmati chased the total in just 17.2 overs. Ishan Pandey scored 50 runs from 54 balls whereas skipper Rit Gautam made 24 runs.
Armed Police Force Club vs Gandaki Province – Mulpani
APF – 207/10 (47.2 overs)
Gandaki – 119/10 (33.4 overs)
APF won by 88 runs
POTM – Bhuwan Karki
Armed Police Club scored 207 runs after being asked to bat first. Lokesh Bam scored a half-century but they were down to 102/6 at one stage. Bhuwan Karki scored 45 and Pradeep Airee added 39 runs uplift APF’s inning. For Gandaki, Kamal Pariyar picked up three wickets whereas Bipin Khatri, Amrit Gurung and Sandeep Parajuli pocketed two wickets each.
In response, Gandaki were wrapped up for 119 runs in 33.4 overs. No batters were able to play a big inning for Lumbini. Sameer Kandel top scored with 33 runs whilst Ishwar Chhetri contributed a decent 28 runs. For APF, Amar Routela picked up four wickets. Mousam Dhakal grabbed three whereas Bhuwan Karki also took two.
APF have bagged their fourth win and need to win the remaining two matches to surpass Madhesh and finish inside top four. The top two teams will play final whereas top four will be selected for an elite trophy which will be played in a multiday format.
