Gandaki make history with first-ever PM Cup win over departmental side after stunning APF

Gandaki Province scripted a historic win in the PM Cup after defeating Armed Police Force Club by 43 runs at Lower Mulpani, registering what was their first victory over a departmental team in the tournament.

After winning the toss and batting first in a match reduced to 21 overs per side, Gandaki posted an impressive 150 for 7. Opener Gaurav BK top-scored with 37 off 36 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes, while Arjun Kumal gave the innings early momentum with 25 off 20. Deepak Dumre then added another valuable 34 off 27 balls, and captain Bipin Khatri finished unbeaten on 20 from 14 deliveries.

APF's bowlers struggled to contain Gandaki once the top order got going. Abinash Bohara was the pick of the attack with 3 for 35 in five overs, while Kamal Singh Airee, Yuvraj Khatri and Abishek Gautam took one wicket each.

In reply, APF never recovered after losing wickets at regular intervals and were bowled out for 107 in 18.3 overs. Cibrin Shrestha and Player of the Match Aprajit Poudel starred with three wickets each to trigger the collapse. Cibrin returned 3 for 25 from four overs, while Aprajit claimed 3 for 31 from five. Subash Bhandari chipped in with 2 for 7 in 2.3 overs, and Kamal Pariyar took the remaining wicket.

APF's top order failed to fire. Openers Lokesh Bam and Aasif Sheikh made 14 each, but Rohit Paudel fell for 3, Dipak Bohara managed 6, Sundeep Jora scored 8, Yuvraj made 7 and Amar Singh Routela was dismissed for a duck. Sumit Maharjan top-scored with 22, while Kamal Airee struck 17 and Abishek Gautam remained unbeaten on 14, but the chase had already slipped away.

The result handed Gandaki their first win in four matches, while APF suffered a second defeat in four games, dealing a major blow to their hopes of finishing in the top two and reaching the final.

The PM Cup now moves to Janakpur and Birgunj, where Madhesh Province are set to face Karnali Province in Janakpur and Lumbini Province will meet Sudurpaschim Province in Birgunj.