Binod Bhandari backed up his century against Sudurpashchim with an even bigger statement, smashing 189 to power Tribhuvan Army Club to a 185-run win over Koshi Province in Match 40 of the PM Cup at Ramjanaki Multipurpose Stadium, Janakpur.
Binod had already guided Army past Sudurpashchim with 100 in Match 34. This time, he took control for much longer and turned the innings into a one-man masterclass. His 189 came off 150 balls and included 21 fours and five sixes as Army piled up 362 for 8 in 50 overs.
Army made a fast start through a first-wicket stand of 83 between Binod and Trit Raj Das, who made 33. Binod then added 148 for the second wicket with Bhim Sharki, who struck 80 off 65 balls with nine fours and three sixes. Jitendra Thakuri also chipped in with 31 off 25 as Army surged past 300 and finished with the highest total of the matchday.
Koshi's bowlers struggled to contain the scoring for most of the innings. Bipin Mahato was the most successful with 3 for 69, while the rest of the attack could not stop Binod from batting deep and dominating the contest.
In reply, Koshi never seriously threatened the target. Prabhat Rai top-scored with 38, Shiwash Baigain made 37 and captain Sujan Thapaliya hit 30, but the chase slipped away with wickets falling at regular intervals. Koshi were eventually restricted to 177 for 9 in 36 overs.
Army's bowlers shared the job efficiently. Aakash Chand claimed 3 for 42, Basir Ahamad took 2 for 39, and Shahab Alam, Pawan Karki and Naren Saud picked up one wicket each.
The result took Army to 17 points from nine matches and confirmed them at the top of the table at the end of the league phase. Koshi finished bottom with one point from nine games. For Binod, it was another major statement after his hundred against Sudurpashchim, and this time he turned it into one of the defining knocks of the tournament.
Binod is currently sitting at Number 3 for the Top Run scorers with 402 runs from 7 innings with an average of 57.42 in this year's PM Cup.
