Sandeep Lamichhane’s 7 for blows away Karnali as Bagmati cruise to 60-run win

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted Apr 01, 2026

Sandeep Lamichhane produced a record-breaking spell to power Bagmati Province to a commanding 60-run victory over Karnali Province in their opening match of the Madhesh leg of the Men’s PM Cup in Janakpur.

Defending 180, Bagmati rode on their captain’s sensational seven-wicket haul to dismantle Karnali and seal a dominant start to their campaign.

After being put in to bat, Bagmati posted a competitive 180, thanks largely to a composed knock from Bibek Mahar. He anchored the innings with 56 off 80 balls, striking four sixes and two boundaries, holding the innings together amid regular wickets.

The innings began steadily with a 50-run opening stand between Shivam Tiwari (18) and Shubh Kansakar (20). Contributions from Pawan Thapa (22) and Ishan Pandey (27) kept the scoreboard ticking, but a lower-order collapse saw the last few wickets add just six runs.

Karnali’s bowlers, despite conceding 31 extras — including 24 wides — managed to keep things in check with regular breakthroughs. Captain Diwan Pun led from the front with 3 for 28, while Prakash Jaishi (2 for 44), Dipendra Rawat (2 for 30) and Nischal Rawal (2 for 23) shared the remaining wickets.

In reply, Karnali never truly recovered from the early blows inflicted by Sandeep Lamichhane. The legspinner ran through the batting line-up with remarkable control and variation, finishing with a stunning 7 for — one of the best bowling figures in the tournament’s history.

He was well supported by Rijan Dhakal, Pratish GC and Subash Khatri, who picked up a wicket each to wrap up the innings.

Nischal Rawal (31) and Dinesh Adhikari (22) offered some resistance, but the lack of partnerships hurt Karnali as they were eventually bowled out 60 runs short of the target.

Sandeep Lamichhane’s performance not only sealed a comprehensive win but also placed him among an elite group of bowlers — joining Dipendra Singh Airee, Kumar Thapa and Dipendra Rawat — to claim seven wickets in an innings in the competition.