Aashik Baitha’s four-for keeps Madhesh unbeaten at the top

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted Mar 30, 2026

Madhesh Province continued their unbeaten run in the PM Cup, moving to the top of the points table with a comfortable five-wicket win over Karnali Province in Janakpur on Monday. Chasing a modest target, Madhesh got home in 24.5 overs, handing Karnali their second defeat of the tournament.

Karnali’s decision to bat first didn’t quite pay off as they were bowled out for 129 in 31.2 overs. Opener Rabindra Jung Shahi offered some resistance with a fluent 40 off 51 balls, striking six boundaries, but lacked sustained support from the rest of the batting line-up.

Arjun Gharti (24), Bipin Rawal (18), Dinesh Adhikari (18) and captain Diwan Pun (12) all got starts but failed to convert them, as regular wickets stalled any momentum Karnali tried to build.

Aashik Baitha was the standout performer with the ball for Madhesh, returning 4 for 34 and breaking the backbone of Karnali’s innings. He found good support from Bishal Patel and Arniko Yadav, who picked up two wickets each, while Pradip Paswan chipped in with one.

In reply, Madhesh made a steady start with a 50-run opening stand between Mayan Yadav and Niraj Yadav, effectively taking the game away early. Niraj anchored the chase with a composed 38 off 59 balls, including five boundaries.

Arniko Yadav then ensured there were no late hiccups, finishing unbeaten on 32 to guide Madhesh comfortably past the target.

For Karnali, Dipendra Rawat was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 40, while Diwan Pun and Prakash Jaishi claimed a wicket each, but the total proved well below par to seriously challenge an in-form Madhesh side.