In the ongoing Prime Minister’s Cup One-Day Men’s National Cricket Tournament, Sudurpashchim Province registered a 31-run win over Koshi Province, while APF Club triumphed by 31 runs over Gandaki Province in a gripping contest on Sunday.

Sudurpashchim Province, led by an outstanding century from Kiran Thagunna, defeated Koshi Province by 31 runs. Batting first, Sudurpashchim posted 242 runs, with Thagunna contributing 115 runs off 91 balls, including 4 sixes and 12 boundaries. However, after his departure, the rest of the team struggled, with Tek Bohara (16), Arjun BK (15), Sher Malla (14), and captain Narayan Joshi (14) all falling cheaply. Sudurpashchim was eventually bowled out for 242 runs in 43.4 overs.

In response, Koshi Province’s chase faltered despite a solid effort from Shakib Haq, who top-scored with 62 runs off 66 balls. Captain Ankit Subedi (38), Samir Karki (38), and Ashish Bhattarai (36) made contributions, but no one could carry the innings forward. Koshi ended up with 211 runs in 45.1 overs.

Saurya Shrestha was the standout bowler for Sudurpashchim, claiming 3 wickets for 45 runs in 9 overs. Bhojraj Bhatta added 2 wickets for 28 runs in 4.1 overs. With this win, Sudurpashchim Province moved closer to the top spots in the tournament.

Meanwhile, at the ExtraTech Oval Cricket Ground in Tilottama, APF Club defeated Gandaki Province by 31 runs. Batting first, APF set a target of 259 runs, scoring 258 runs in 49.2 overs. Aasif Sheikh’s brilliant knock of 80 runs from 74 balls, including 10 boundaries and 1 six, was the highlight of the innings. Opener Lokesh Bam also made a valuable contribution, scoring 46 runs from 55 balls. APF's middle order, including Sumit Maharjan (31), Kamal Airee (25), and Amar Routela (24), provided the support to set a challenging total.

Gandaki’s chase was led by Arjun Kumal, who scored 39 runs from 82 balls, but the rest of the batsmen struggled. Dinesh Budhamagar (34), Sudeep Aryal (25), and captain Bipin Khatri (14) were among the key contributors, but Gandaki ultimately fell short, finishing with 227 runs in 47.1 overs.

For APF, Abhisek Gautam was the standout bowler, taking 3 wickets, while Amar Routela claimed 2 wickets. Captain Rohit Paudel, Bhuwan Karki, and Kishor Mahato each took one wicket. APF’s win marked their fifth victory in the tournament, securing their place in the top half of the table with 10 points.

Gandaki, on the other hand, have had a difficult tournament, suffering their seventh consecutive loss. With only 2 points from 8 matches, Gandaki’s chances of qualifying for the final stages are now slim.

With this win, APF remain in third place with 10 points, while Gandaki remain at the bottom of the table. The loss has effectively ended Gandaki's title hopes.

On Monday, Gandaki Province will face Madhesh Province at the Siddhartha Stadium, while at the ExtraTech Oval Cricket Ground, APF will take on Lumbini Province in another exciting match.