Madhesh go top at PM Cup, Sudur Paschim edge Lumbini

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Mar. 31: Madhesh Province cruised to a comfortable five‑wicket victory over Karnali Province, while Sudur Paschim Province clinched a tense 12‑run win over Lumbini Province in the Men’s PM Cup on Monday.

Opting to bat first at the Ramjanki Multipurpose Stadium, Karnali were bundled out for just 129 in 31.2 overs. 

In reply, Madhesh chased down the modest target in only 24.5 overs, finishing at 131 for 5.

Niraj Yadav anchored the innings with 38, while Arniko Yadav’s brisk 32 not out off 25 balls ensured there were no late jitters. ayan Yadav contributed 24 at the top, and despite a few wickets falling, the chase was never in doubt. Dipendra Rawat was the pick of Karnali’s bowlers with 3 for 40, while Diwakar Pun and Prakash Jaisi claimed one wicket apiece.

Earlier, Rabindra Shahi top‑scored with 40 in Karnali’s innings, with Arjun Gharti adding 24. The rest of the batting line‑up failed to build partnerships, undone largely by Madhesh’s left‑arm spinner Aashik Baitha. 

With figures of 4 for 34, Baitha was named Player of the Match. Bishal Patel also struck twice, while Arniko Yadav picked up two wickets in a miserly spell.

Their third straight win lifted Madhesh to the top of the table with seven points. They edged Tribhuwan Army Club, who also have seven points, on net run rate to occupy pole position. 

This was Karnali’s second defeat in four matches. They have three points and sit in sixth place.

At the Narayani Cricket Ground, Sudur Paschim batted first and were bowled out for 168 in 45.4 overs. In reply, Lumbini were dismissed for 156 in 40.2 overs.

Despite a fighting knock from Santosh Yadav, who struck 67 off 84 balls, Lumbini suffered their second defeat of the PM Cup. 

Dhurba Sunar contributed 36, but the rest of the batting line‑up failed to provide support. Opener Ranjeet Khadka (11) was another double‑digit scorer.

Khadak Bohora was the standout for Sudur Paschim, taking 3 for 13, while captain Sher Malla impressed with 3 for 32. Bohora was named Player of the Match for his decisive spell.

Earlier, Dipak Bohara top‑scored with 30, while Hemant Dhami added a useful 29. The innings was rescued from collapse by lower‑order resistance after a flurry of wickets, with Sudur Paschim tottering at 92/7 in the 28th over.

Alongside Dhami, Narayan Joshi (11) and Saurya Shrestha (not out 10) chipped in from the bottom. Opener Abhishek Pal (17), Prakash Pandey (14), Khadak Bohora (10) and Kiran Thagunna (20) contributed at the top.

Lumbini’s Ajay Chauhan and Santosh Yadav shared the honours with the ball, each claiming four wickets.

The win lifted Sudur Paschim to third place with six points from four matches, while Lumbini sit in fifth place with three points.