Bagmati register their second win after handing Karnali a 60-run defeat on the back of a seven-wicket haul by Sandeep Lamichhane in the other match of the Men’s PM Cup. Bagmati’s Sandeep Lamichhane (right) bagged a seven-wicket haul in the 60-run win over Karnali at Ramjanakai Multipurpose Ground in Janakpur on Wednesday. Courtesy of CAN
Lumbini Province pulled off a major upset in the Men’s PM Cup on Wednesday.
Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Lumbini bundled out departmental giants Armed Police Force Club for a paltry 124 runs in 39.4 overs at TB Shah Cricket Ground in Birgunj.
Until the 16th over, Lumbini appeared well on course to producing a quick, surprise victory. They were at 74/2 in 15.6 overs when Aakash Tripathi departed, scoring 32 off 35. They now required only 51 runs in 34 overs with eight wickets in hand. They were the clear favourites.
But quickly after Tripathi’s departure, skipper Dev Khanal too got out, scoring 45 off 64. The collapse of Lumbini’s batting order started. They were at 84/3 in 19.5 overs. By the 28.5 overs, they were at 102/7. It now appeared as if it was APF’s game to lose.
Nevertheless, Lumbini batters did not hurry. They had enough overs in hand. But the pressure was building.
In the 33rd over, Rohit Kumar Paudel bowled out Darsh Sonar (16 off 17) as the eighth wicket.
Lumbini were still in the chase. A four from Sandesh Thapa in 33.4 overs saw Lumbini level the score. But with one more run remaining to win, APF’s Abishesh Gautam came to the rescue.
Gautam got Thapa out for a leg before in 33.5 overs. In the very next ball, Gautam had Ajay Chauhan caught by the second slip. Lumbini were all out. The score was level. The game went to the Super Over.
A six from Santosh Yadav, who came in after Tripathi departed for a golden duck in the third ball, saw Lumbini post 14 runs in the Super Over bowled by Gautam.
In response, Yadav defended the total as he gave away only six runs and bagged a wicket.
It was a second victory for Lumbini in the Men’s PM Cup. They are now placed fifth in the table with five points.
Similar to Lumbini, Bagmati also registered their second victory in the tournament after defeating Karnali at Ramjanaki Multipurpose Ground in Janakpur.
Invited to bat first, Bagmati were all out at 180 runs in 38.4 overs. Bibek Magar top scored for Bagmati, gathering 56 off 80.
On the other hand, Sandeep Lamichhane, Nepal’s spin maestro, destroyed Karnali with the ball.
Lamichhane registered a seven-wicket haul, his first, against Karnali and bundled them out at 120 runs in 25.1 overs.
It is the first seven-wicket haul in the current edition of the tournament while the fourth in the overall history.
Of the two matches on Thursday, Madhesh are hosting Tribhuvan Army Club in Janakpur and Gandaki will face Sudurpashchim in Birgunj.
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