Kharel & Rana Shatter Records in Bagmati Rout

Cricket Records Shattered as Police and Army Secure Dominant Victories

In a day marked by remarkable batting performances and record-breaking partnerships, Nepal Police Club and Tribhuvan Army Club emerged victorious in their respective fixtures on Thursday. The Men’s PM Cup saw historic moments unfold at the Upper Mulpani and Lower Mulpani Cricket Grounds, reshaping the top of the points table.

Bagmati Falls Short Despite Strong Partnerships

At the Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground, Bagmati’s skipper Sandeep Lamichhane won the toss and opted to bat first against Nepal Police Club. The decision initially appeared sound as Bagmati amassed a respectable 265 runs before being bowled out in 49.2 overs.

The cornerstone of Bagmati’s innings was a formidable 124-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Ishan Pandey and Pawan Thapa. This crucial alliance, the highest fourth-wicket partnership in the history of the Men’s PM Cup, provided a solid foundation for their total. Pandey contributed a well-compiled 70 runs off 80 deliveries, while Thapa added 79 runs from 101 balls.

However, Nepal Police Club managed to eclipse Bagmati’s efforts with an even more significant partnership, ultimately guiding the departmental side to a comfortable chase with six overs and seven wickets to spare.

Police Clinch Victory Through Record-Breaking Opening Stand

The chase began with an explosive opening partnership from Nepal Police Club. Dinesh Kharel and Shankar Rana took to the crease and refused to relinquish their dominance. Although Kharel was dropped on 68, he couldn’t fully capitalize on the lifeline, being stumped for 70 runs off 75 balls.

By the time Kharel departed, he had already etched his name in the tournament’s record books. The 159-run partnership for the first wicket between Kharel and Rana stands as the biggest opening stand in the history of the PM Cup.

Rana, in particular, was the standout performer, shining brightly with a magnificent century. He ultimately fell for 116 runs off 128 deliveries, leaving his team requiring just 17 runs in the final eight overs. Skipper Aarif Sheikh, with a brisk 43 off 47 balls, and Rashid Khan, who remained unbeaten on 10 off 2, comfortably steered Police to victory.

Army Dominates Gandaki Province

Meanwhile, at the Lower Mulpani Cricket Ground, Tribhuvan Army Club registered a commanding seven-wicket win over Gandaki Province.

Gandaki Province, after winning the toss and choosing to bat, managed to post 209 runs before being bundled out with just two balls remaining in their innings. Arjun Kumal continued his impressive form with his second consecutive half-century, scoring 67 runs off 102 balls. Deepak Dumre also contributed significantly with a quickfire 51 off 45 deliveries against the Army bowlers.

In response, the Army’s batting lineup showcased their depth and power. Openers Trit Raj Das (51 off 58 balls) and Binod Bhandari (58 off 57 balls) both scored half-centuries. Bhim Sharki remained unbeaten on 54 off 53 balls, securing his individual fifty and guiding his team towards the target. Kushal Malla narrowly missed out on a fifty, falling short by seven runs after an aggressive innings of 43 off 42 balls.

Malla’s innings concluded in dramatic fashion as he smashed a boundary off the last ball of the 34th over, bowled by Kamal Pariyar, to bring up Army’s total of 210/3 and seal the victory.

Points Table Implications

Following these decisive wins, both Nepal Police Club and Tribhuvan Army Club now sit atop the points table with four points each. For Gandaki Province and Bagmati, these results mark consecutive losses, placing them in a more challenging position in the standings.

The tournament continues on Friday with two fixtures scheduled: Lumbini will face Madhesh in Janakpur, while Koshi will compete against Sudurpashchim in Birgunj. Cricket enthusiasts will be eagerly anticipating further exciting encounters as the Men’s PM Cup progresses.