Armed Police Force Club kept themselves in the PM Cup race with a five-run win over Koshi Province in Match 36 at Ramjanaki Multipurpose Stadium, Janakpur.
The result gave APF back-to-back victories after their previous win over Sudurpashchim Province. It also lifted them to nine points from eight matches, keeping them in touch with the teams above them. Koshi, meanwhile, stayed bottom of the table and are still searching for a first win.
Batting first, APF were bowled out for 225 in 47.5 overs. Sundeep Jora led the innings with 72 off 94 balls, hitting eight fours and a six. Sumit Maharjan gave him strong support with 57 off 73, while Amar Routela added an unbeaten 27 late in the innings.
APF had slipped to 64 for 4, but Jora and Sumit rebuilt the innings with a century stand for the fifth wicket. That partnership pulled the side back into the contest and gave them a total to bowl at. For Koshi, Sujan Thapaliya took 3 for 38, while Bipin Mahato and Dipesh Kandel picked up two wickets each.
Koshi responded well and pushed the chase deep. Ankit Subedi made 72 off 67 balls, while Suman Shrestha struck 65 off 132. Rohan Shah also chipped in with 32, and Koshi were still in the chase entering the final overs.
APF, however, held their nerve with the ball. Abhishesh Gautam was the key man with 4 for 41 in 10 overs and was named Player of the Match. Rohit Paudel took 2 for 44, while Amar Routela, Bhuvan Karki and Yuvraj Khatri claimed one wicket each as Koshi were bowled out for 220 in 49.5 overs.
The win was vital for APF in a crowded middle section of the table. With nine points, they moved level with Nepal Police Club and Madhesh Province, although they remain behind both on net run rate.
