The Prime Minister’s Cup One-Day Men’s National Cricket Tournament officially commenced on Sunday in Lamahi, Dang, with the first match seeing Karnali Province triumph over Sudurpaschim Province team by 79 runs.

The tournament, inaugurated by Lumbini Province Chief Minister Chet Narayan Acharya, at the Deukhuri International Cricket Ground, has attracted nationwide attention. During the opening ceremony, Acharya took to the field to bat, while Chatur Bahadur Chand, president of the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), marked the occasion by bowling. The tournament is being held across three venues–Deukhuri International Cricket Ground, Dang; Siddhartha Stadium of Bhairahawa, and Tilottama Extra Tech Oval, Rupandehi.

Karnali Province, winning the toss, opted to bat first and posted a total of 155 runs. Arjun Gharti’s contribution of 71 runs played a pivotal role, while Dinesh Adhikari (17) and Diwan Pun (12) also made valuable contributions. However, no other batter could reach double figures.

Sudurpaschim Province’s bowlers, led by Hemant Dhami, who claimed four wickets, managed to restrict Karnali, but the target was too challenging to chase. Narayan Joshi added two wickets to Far Western’s tally, with Shree Mall, Milan Bohara, and Bhojraj Bhatta picking up one each.

Chasing 156 runs, Sudurpaschim got off to a good start, scoring 30 runs without losing a wicket in the first five overs. However, the wickets began to tumble quickly, and they were eventually bowled out for just 76 runs in 21 overs.

Karnali’s Dipendra Rawat was the standout performer, taking seven crucial wickets for just 33 runs, including three maidens. Diwan Pun also contributed with two wickets. For Sudurpaschim, Khadga Bohara (27), Kiran Thagunna (13), and Sher Malla (13) were the only notable contributors, but they were unable to prevent the collapse.

Karnali’s dominant win was sealed by Rawat’s exceptional bowling, earning him the Player of the Match award.

The tournament will continue with the next match between Gandaki Province and Sudurpaschim Province on Monday. This tournament, featuring teams from all seven provinces and three departmental teams, is set to run until March 29, with matches taking place in a round-robin format across three venues in Dang and Rupandehi.

This marks a historic moment as the Prime Minister’s Cup is organised outside Kathmandu for the first time, with Lumbini Province taking the lead in hosting the major sporting event.