By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Mar 31, 2026 11:53 AM • 27 views
BIRGUNJ – Nepal Police Club claimed the PM Cup top spot with a six-wicket win over Koshi Province at Narayani Cricket Ground.
After an early top-order collapse, captain Aarif Sheikh and Rashid Khan forged a century partnership to secure victory and avert a Koshi upset.
The Collapse and the Counter-Attack
Chasing 163, the Police lost four wickets for just 11 runs. Bipin Khatri dismissed Amit Shrestha and Dilshad Ali for ducks, while Shankar Rana was run out without scoring.
An upset seemed likely for Koshi at that point.
Sheikh and Khan stabilised the innings with an unbeaten 154-run stand. Sheikh scored 81* with 11 boundaries and a six, while Khan contributed a steady 73* to finish the chase in the 34th over.
Kharel’s Five-Wicket Masterclass
Earlier, Dinesh Kharel led the police’s bowling attack, claiming five wickets and dismantling Koshi’s middle order with disciplined bowling.
Koshi Province showed resistance with captain Sujan Thapaliya (48) and opener Suman Shrestha (43), but Kharel’s consistency ended their progress as Koshi fell for 162 in 42.5 overs.
Standing Guard at the Top
With their third win in five matches, Nepal Police Club moves ahead of Madhesh Province and Tribhuwan Army Club on net run rate. Police have established themselves as strong contenders, while Koshi remains at the bottom of the table and has yet to secure a win this season.
