Sheikh and Ahamad shine as APF, Army triumph in PM Cup

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Mar. 23: Armed Police Force Club (APFC) recorded a commanding 71-run victory over Bagmati Province, while Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) edged Nepal Police Club (NPC) by 22 runs on the second day of the CAN Prime Minister Cup.

At the Upper Mulpani Ground, Bagmati invited APFC to bat first after winning the toss. APFC posted 271 for 8 in 50 overs, recovering from early setbacks when Dipak Bohara (3) and captain Rohit Paudel (9) fell cheaply. 

Wicketkeeper-batter Aasif Sheikh anchored the innings with a fluent 114 off 105 balls, striking 14 fours and three sixes. He shared a 103-run stand with Sundeep Jora (52 off 53). Contributions from Lokesh Bam (29) and Yuvraj Khatri (26 not out) added depth.

Bagmati’s bowling was led by Rijan Dhakal, who claimed four wickets, while Ishan Pandey took two. Captain Sandeep Lamichhane and Sonu Devkota picked up one apiece.

In reply, Bagmati faltered early and were dismissed for 200 in 45.1 overs. Despite resistance from Bibek Magar (34), Subash Khatri (27) and Dhakal (20 not out), the chase never gained momentum. 

APFC’s disciplined attack saw Rohit Paudel return 3 for 22 in 10 overs, with Avishek Gautam also taking three. Four other bowlers chipped in with a wicket each. Sheikh’s century and two dismissals behind the stumps earned him the Player of the Match award.

At the Lower Mulpani Ground, the Army–Police clash was reduced to 47 overs per side due to a wet outfield. 

Army, electing to bat, posted 243 for 8, recovering from 58 for 4 in the 17th over. Basir Ahamad struck a superb 100 off 86 balls (8 fours, 2 sixes), supported by Bhim Sharki (62 off 65). Naren Saud added an unbeaten 21 to bolster the total.

For Police, Sarwan Yadav impressed with 3 for 24, while Rashid Khan and Sagar Dhakal bagged two apiece, and Lalit Rajbanshi added one.

Police’s chase ended at 221 in 45.3 overs. After losing two wickets in the opening over, Shankar Rana (46) and Rashid Khan (60 off 82) rebuilt with a 104-run partnership. Captain Arif Sheikh (38) and Karan KC (23) kept the scoreboard ticking, but Army’s bowlers held firm. 

Naren Saud claimed 3 wickets, Akash Chand 2, while Kushal Malla, Shahab Alam, Basir Ahamad and Pawan Karki took one each.