Match 9: Koshi Province vs Nepal Police Club (NPC)
KP 166/10 (48.2 overs) vs NPC 169/3 (23.1 overs)
In a riveting clash in Kritipur, Nepal Police Club strategically invited Koshi Province to bat after winning the toss. Koshi faced batting challenges, folding out for 166 runs in 48.2 overs. Sujan Thapaliya’s valiant effort resulted in a century, scoring 105 runs. He became the first player from provincial sides to score a century in this tournament and first player in tournament history to score a ton against Nepal Police Club. Karan KC’s exceptional bowling performance, claiming 3 wickets, added pressure to Koshi. Lalit Rajbanshi and Sunil Dhamala contributed with 2 wickets each. Chasing 167, Nepal Police Club encountered an early setback, losing 2 wickets for just 46 runs. However, a crucial partnership between Arjun Saud and Dilip Nath, followed by an unbeaten 74-run partnership with skipper Dipendra Singh Airee, led NPC to a comfortable 7-wicket victory in 23.1 overs. Arjun remained unbeaten with 62 runs off 63 deliveries. Karan KC, with his brilliant bowling figures of 3-28, was awarded the Man of the Match.
Match 10: Bagmati Province vs Madhesh Province
BP 190/10 (49.2 overs) vs MP 102/10 (29 overs)
In Mulpani, Madhesh Province won the toss and chose to field against Bagmati Province. Bagmati faced early batting challenges, with the top order collapsing to 66/5. However, a resilient effort from Pratis GC, who scored 59 runs, helped Bagmati reach a total of 190 runs before being all-out with 1 over left in the inning. Rupesh Singh and Arniko Yadav secured 2 wickets each for Madhesh. Chasing the target of 191, Madhesh looked in control at 81/2 with set batsmen Mayan Yadav (31 off 49) and Pawan Sarraf (45 off 48) in the 18th over. However, the spin duo of Surya Tamang and Ishan Pandey turned the game around, grabbing the last 8 wickets for just 23 runs. Madhesh was eventually all-out for 104 runs in 29 overs. Surya Tamang’s exceptional bowling performance, taking 6 wickets including a hat-trick, earned him the Man of the Match.
Match 11: Sudurpaschim Province vs Karnali Province
SPP 277/5(50 overs) vs KP 143/10 (37.2 overs)
At Siddhartha Stadium in Bhairahawa, Sudurpaschim Province batted first after Karnali won the toss. Sudurpaschim’s openers, Khadak Bohara (80 off 114) and Tek Rawat (59 off 91), set a record 138-run opening stand. This was the highest opening stand in PM Cup history. Kiran Thagunna added 50 runs off 33 deliveries, and Narayan Joshi remained unbeaten at 31 off just 12 deliveries. Dipendra Rawat bowled an economical spell, giving away 29 runs in his 10 overs and taking a wicket for Karnali. Sudurpaschim posted a commanding total of 277/5 in 50 overs. Chasing 278, Karnali struggled, losing wickets at regular intervals. Diwan Pun top-scored with 38 runs, while Sher Malla’s slow left-arm orthodox bowling took 4 wickets for Sudurpaschim. Karnali was all-out for just 143 runs in 37.2 overs, giving Sudurpaschim a convincing 134-run victory. Khadak Bohara was awarded the Man of the Match for his exceptional batting performance.
The cricketing action continues with Bagmati Province facing Tribhuwan Army Club in Mulpani Cricket Ground, and Lumbini facing Gandaki in Bhairahawa tomorrow.
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