Tribhuvan Army Club tightened their grip on top spot in the PM Cup with a seven-wicket win over Sudurpashchim Province at Ramjanaki Stadium, Janakpur on Thursday.
Army first bowled Sudurpashchim out for 150 in 38.1 overs. Narayan Joshi fought back with 63 off 60 balls after the innings slipped to 55 for 4, but Sudurpashchim kept losing wickets around him and never built lasting momentum. Bikash Aagri was the only other batter to reach double figures late in the innings with 9 not out.
Basir Ahamad led the Army attack with 5 for 35 in 9.1 overs. Shahab Alam and Naren Saud took two wickets each, while Aakash Chand claimed one. Army's bowlers shared the pressure well and closed out the innings before Sudurpashchim could push beyond 150.
Army then chased the target in 20.2 overs. Skipper Binod Bhandari dominated the reply with a superb 100 off 75 balls, hitting 12 fours and five sixes. He laid the platform early and kept the scoring rate under control throughout the chase. Kushal Malla supported him with an unbeaten 26 off 18 balls, while Bhim Sharki made 16.
The result gave Army a second straight win after beating Karnali in their previous match. It also took them to 13 points from seven matches at the top of the table. Sudurpashchim stayed second on 10 points from eight matches after a third defeat of the campaign.
