Arjun Kumal’s second hundred keeps Gandaki alive in Jay Trophy race

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted Apr 12, 2026

Gandaki Province kept their Jay Trophy hopes alive with an eight-wicket win over Lumbini Province in Birgunj on Sunday. The result leaves Gandaki needing a win over Karnali in their final group match, while also depending on other results going their way.

Lumbini, meanwhile, remain in a must-win situation with two games left to secure a top-six finish.

Electing to bat, Lumbini posted 207 in 45 overs, built around Santosh Yadav’s 82 off 77 balls, which included nine fours and a six, before he was bowled by Cirbin Shrestha. Salahuddin Khan added a composed 60 off 77 deliveries, striking nine boundaries.

Gandaki’s bowlers shared the spoils. Captain Bipin Khatri led the attack with 4 for 37 from nine overs, while Aprajit Poudel picked up 3 for 44. Cirbin Shrestha (2 for 19) and Bishow Karki (1 for 30) also chipped in.

In reply, the 208-run chase was made to look comfortable by Arjun Kumal, who struck an unbeaten 103 off 130 balls, hitting 13 fours and a six. It was his third PM Cup hundred and second of the season, placing him alongside Dipendra Singh Airee, Binod Bhandari and Kiran Thagunna as one of only four players to score multiple centuries in a single edition.

Cirbin Shrestha (43), Mushkan Thapa (23) and Deepak Dumre (25 not out) provided support as Gandaki cruised home with eight wickets in hand.

For Lumbini, Santosh Yadav and Dinesh Bohara took a wicket each.