Army survive Lumbini scare to stay unbeaten ahead of final

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted Apr 15, 2026

Tribhuwan Army Club kept their unbeaten run intact with a narrow one-wicket win over Lumbini Province in Janakpur on Wednesday, chasing down 139 in 25.2 overs in a nervy finish.

Army, already assured of a place in the final against Sudurpaschim in Birgunj, topped the table after the league stage, while Lumbini finished sixth with four wins and as many defeats to secure a Jay Trophy spot.

Batting first, Lumbini were restricted to 138 in 41.3 overs. Opener Ranjeet Khadka top-scored with 28 off 55 balls, hitting five boundaries, while skipper Dev Khanal (23) and Aakash Tripathi (21) offered brief resistance.

Kushal Malla led the Army attack with 4 for 26 from eight overs. Naren Saud (2/43) and Bhim Sharki (2/2) also made key breakthroughs, while Shahab Alam and Basir Ahamad picked up a wicket each.

Army’s chase was far from smooth. They lost early wickets, with Trit Raj Das (10), Binod Bhandari (0) and Bhim Sharki (18) all back in the pavilion inside the first five overs.

Kushal Malla then steadied the innings with a brisk 41 off 36 balls, striking a six and seven fours, while Arjun Saud added a composed 28 off 36 to guide Army home.

For Lumbini, Santosh Yadav starred with 5 for 17, while Nirmal Gurung claimed 4 for 40 in a strong bowling effort.