The 2026 PM Cup: Men’s National Cricket Tournament is the eighth edition of the country’s premier event in one-day cricket.

From the inaugural edition in 2017, when five departmental regions were active, the tournament saw teams divided into two groups until the fifth edition in 2022. The event saw provincial teams replace the departmental regions starting with the second edition in 2018.

From the sixth edition in 2024, the Men’s PM Cup did not see two groups. All ten teams—seven provincial and three departmental—started competing in a single round-robin format. And ever since, Koshi have finished at the bottom.

Koshi finished 10th in the 2024 edition with one win in nine matches, which they registered against Lumbini in their last league-stage match.

In the last edition, Koshi suffered a similar feat. They only managed one win, this time against Gandaki, and finished at the bottom once again.

What is more troubling for a province which once used to be the epicentre of Nepali cricket is that they might finish last once again.

Koshi were handed their third consecutive loss in the 2026 Men’s PM Cup by Sudurpashchim at TB Shah Cricket Ground in Birgunj on Friday.

Koshi’s first match of the eighth edition was against Madhesh on March 21. But it was cancelled due to rain and the two teams shared a point each.

After that, Koshi lost by 148 runs to Lumbini and by 16 runs to Karnali before the loss to Sudurpashchim.

Invited to bat first, Koshi were all out at 130 runs in 43.4 overs. In turn, Sudurpashchim, on the back of 66 off 45 by Khadak Bohara, completed the chase, reaching 131/3 in 19.5 overs.

It was the second win in three matches for the western-most province. Sudurpashchim equalled the points with top-placed Nepal Police Club and second-placed Tribhuvan Army Club, but are third based on net run rate.

On the other hand, Madhesh registered their first win of the tournament after defeating Lumbini by 25 runs at Ramjanaki Multipurpose Ground in Janakpur.

Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Madhesh were bundled out at a paltry 124 runs in 38.1 overs.

However, what looked like a poor target was defended by Madhesh, thanks to a five-wicket haul by Bishal Patel.

From sending opener Ranjeet Khadka back for a duck in the fourth ball of the very first over, Patel completed his fifer after bagging the last wicket of Lumbini; Rajendra Bam (6 off 31) was caught out in the last ball of the 26th over.

With Bam’s wicket, Lumbini were bundled out at 99 runs.

The three departmental clubs will be in action on Saturday as APF will face Army at Lower Mulpani. Gandaki will be playing Police at Upper Mulpani.