Arjun Kumal’s hundred powers Gandaki to second win; Koshi remain winless

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted Apr 04, 2026

Koshi Province slumped to a fifth straight defeat in the Men’s PM Cup, going down by 39 runs to Gandaki in Birgunj on Saturday.

Defending 227, Gandaki held their nerve with the ball to restrict Koshi to 188 for 9, sealing their second win of the campaign.

Asked to bat, Gandaki were in deep trouble at 60 for 6 before Arjun Kumal and captain Bipin Khatri turned the innings around with a remarkable 167-run stand.

Bipin Khatri finished unbeaten on 76 off 86 balls, hitting six fours and two sixes, while Arjun Kumal anchored the recovery with a superb 102 off 141 deliveries, including eight boundaries. In the process, Arjun Kumal also became the fastest to 1000 runs in PM Cup history, getting there in just 25 innings, and only the second non-departmental player after Ishan Pandey to reach the milestone.

For Koshi, left-arm spinner Dipesh Kandel was outstanding, returning 4 for 18 from his 10 overs. Rakesh Shah and Sujan Thapaliya picked up a wicket apiece.

In reply, Koshi never quite kept up with the required rate. Dipesh Kandel capped off a fine all-round effort with an unbeaten 52 off 73 balls, striking a six and three fours, while Ashish Magar made 30. But the rest of the line-up failed to build partnerships.

Cirbin Shrestha led Gandaki’s bowling effort with 3 for 35. Aprajit Poudel (2 for 31) and Subash Bhandari (2 for 36) provided solid support, while Bipin Khatri and Kamal Pariyar chipped in with a wicket each to complete a clinical performance.