Dhami’s record spell powers Sudur Paschim to top

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Apr. 6: A record bowling performance from Hemant Dhami propelled Sudur Paschim Province to a resounding 163‑run victory over Bagmati Province, while Lumbini Province registered a 50‑run win over Nepal Police Club in the Men’s PM Cup on Sunday.

Batting first at the Ramjanki Multipurpose Stadium in Janakpur, Sudur Paschim were dismissed for 209 in 42.1 overs. In reply, Bagmati collapsed to their lowest total, bundled out for just 46 runs in 11.2 overs.

Opener Shubh Kansakar was the lone batter to resist with a brisk 32, but the rest of the line‑up crumbled against the pace and accuracy of medium‑paceman Dhami. 

Dhami produced a devastating spell, claiming seven wickets for 14 runs, earning him the Player of the Match award. 

His career‑best figures also set a new record in PM Cup history, surpassing Dipendra Singh Airee’s 7‑20 for Police.

Skipper Sher Malla provided strong support with miserly spin, taking three wickets for just two runs. Bagmati’s 46 became the fourth‑lowest total in the tournament’s history.

Earlier, Sudur Paschim had slumped to 68/6 in 17.3 overs, losing three wickets for just one run in the space of five balls. 

Opener Abhishek Pal contributed 39 off 35 before departing as the third wicket. Dipak Bohara and Narayan Joshi revived the innings with a 59‑run stand for the seventh wicket. 

Bohara struck five fours and two sixes in his 40 off 47 balls, while Joshi steadied the innings with a fluent 75 off 68, including two boundaries and six sixes. He also shared a 42‑run partnership with captain Malla. Ashok Dhami remained unbeaten on 17. 

Bagmati’s bowlers, led by Pratis GC and captain Sandeep Lamichhane, claimed four wickets each, but their batting failed to match the effort, suffering a fourth defeat in six matches. 

Sudur Paschim’s fifth win from six games took them to the top of the table with 10 points, one ahead of Tribhuwan Army Club.

Khadka ton lifts Lumbini

At the Narayani Cricket Ground in Birgunj, Lumbini rode on a century from opener Ranjeet Khadka to post 256 in 49.5 overs after being invited to bat. 

Police, chasing 257, were bowled out for 206 in 42.5 overs. 

Their reply revolved around a valiant knock from opener Dinesh Kharel, who struck 94 off 104 balls with ten fours and six sixes. 

His dismissal in the 32nd over triggered a collapse. Sarwan Yadav’s quickfire 36 briefly threatened to revive hopes, but the lower order faltered against disciplined bowling.

Shankar Rana (12), Dilsad Ali (22) and Karan KC (14)'s contribution was not enough for Police.

Ajay Chauhan led Lumbini’s attack with 4/37, while captain Dev Khanal chipped in with three wickets. 

Bir Magar, Nirmal Gurung and Santosh Yadav picked up one apiece as Lumbini sealed their third win. 

The result lifted them to fourth place, level on points with Police, who remain third with seven points after suffering their second defeat. 

Earlier, Police’s decision to field backfired as Khadka anchored the innings with a commanding 128 off 128 balls, striking 13 boundaries and three sixes. 

He was supported by Aakash Tripathi (36) and Darsh Sonar (33). Despite regular breakthroughs from Lalit Rajbanshi (3/47) and Rashid Khan (2/50), Lumbini managed to post a competitive total before being bowled out in the final over.