Kathmandu (Hamro Khelkud) – Karnali Province delivered a stunning blow to Nepal APF Club’s PM Cup final and Elite Trophy aspirations, securing a historic victory over the departmental side. This was Karnali’s first-ever win against a departmental side in the history of the PM Cup and effectively put an end to APF’s qualification hopes.
In a must-win situation for APF to keep their final dream alive and secure a spot in the multi-day Elite Trophy later this year, their aspirations were dashed as Karnali outperformed them by winning by 21 runs. This defeat limited APF to a fifth-place finish in the tournament.
The target of 207 runs proved to be a challenging hurdle for APF. They ultimately succumbed, managing only 185 runs in 44 overs. Despite Aasif Sheikh’s impressive century of 108 runs in 112 deliveries with ten fours and two sixes, the remaining batters struggled to hold their ground.
Amar Routela’s contribution of 28 runs, forming a partnership of 87 runs with Aasif, but their efforts fell short of steering the team to victory. The collective inability to stand firm at the crease resulted in APF’s exit from the tournament.
Earlier, batting first at the TU Cricket Ground, Karnali posted 206 runs in 44.1 overs, losing all wickets. Himanshu Shahi scored 62 off 50 balls with fours and seven sixes, and Arjun Gharti added 53 off 74 deliveries and hit one four and three sixes.
Mousom Dhakal picked up three wickets for APF while Amar Routela chipped in with two. Bhuvan Karki and Ramesh Kurmi had one wicket each.
Karnali finished on four wins, for the first time in a single edition, and ended up on the seventh position.
In Mulpani, Nepal Police Club maintained a cent percent record with eighth straight win. Police defeated Lumbini Province by 103 runs. Lumbini, chasing 245 runs, were bundled over on 142.