Army extend winning run to six at PM Cup

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Apr. 10: Binod Bhandari struck a sparkling century as Tribhuwan Army Club extended their winning run to six matches, strengthening their bid for a place in the Men’s PM Cup final.

Army eased past Sudur Paschim by seven wickets to claim their sixth victory in seven outings. The result took them three points clear at the top of the table with 13 points. Sudur Paschim, who suffered back‑to‑back defeats, remain second with 10 points from eight matches.

Opting to bat first at the Ramjanki Multipurpose Stadium in Janakpur, Sudur Paschim were dismissed for 150 in 38.1 overs. Army chased down the target in just 20.2 overs, finishing on 155 for three.

Captain Bhandari led the charge with 100 off 75 balls, hitting 12 fours and five sixes. Kushal Malla guided Army home with an unbeaten 26 from 18 balls, while Bhim Sharki added 16. Sher Malla claimed two wickets for Sudur Paschim.

Earlier, Narayan Joshi top‑scored for Sudur Paschim with 63 off 60 balls, including three boundaries and five sixes. Contributions came from opener Abhishek Pal (24), Khadak Bohora (13) and Ashok Dhami (11). Army’s Basir Ahamad was the chief destroyer, taking five wickets for 35 runs in 9.1 overs. Shahab Alam and Aakash Chand chipped in with two wickets apiece.

Police rise to third 

Nepal Police Club climbed to third place after a 48‑run victory over Karnali Province in Birgunj. The win, their fourth, gave Police nine points and lifted them above Madhesh Province on net run rate.

Batting first at the Narayani Cricket Ground, Police posted 261 for eight in 50 overs. Karnali, in reply, were bowled out for 213 in 45.2 overs.

Lalit Rajbanshi starred with the ball for Police, taking five wickets, while Karan KC picked up three. Arjun Gharti top‑scored for Karnali with 46, supported by opener Sunil Dhamala (34), Bipin Rawal (28), Dinesh Adhikari (16) and captain Diwan Pun (16). Lower‑order batsmen Bipin Shahi (15), Prakash Jaishi (14), Rabindra Shahi (12) and Raj Shah (10) also chipped in. Karnali remain ninth with three points from eight matches.

Earlier, Dinesh Kharel anchored Police’s innings with 82 off 100 balls. Amit Shrestha (30), captain Aarif Sheikh (27), Rashid Khan (24), Dilsad Ali (23) and Karan KC (21 not out) added useful runs. For Karnali, Prakash Jaishi took three wickets, while Dinesh Adhikari and Anuj Chanara claimed two apiece.

The Cricket Association of Nepal has announced fixtures for Nepal A against Oman, Scotland and the United States, scheduled from 22 April to 11 May.

Nepal A will play two matches against each side at the Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground in Kathmandu.