By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Mar 22, 2026 13:54 PM • 35 views
APF made an immediate impact at Mulpani. In the opening match of the PM Cup, the departmental team secured a decisive win, defeating Bagmati Province by 71 runs. They maintained control throughout the match.
The Aasif Sheikh Show
Bagmati won the toss and chose to bowl, probably hoping the morning moisture would benefit them. However, Aasif Sheikh quickly established himself at the crease. He consistently found gaps in the field and scored efficiently.
With 14 fours and 3 sixes, Aasif made 114 runs off 105 balls. He looked unstoppable. When Sandeep Jora came in, momentum grew. Jora’s quick 52 off 53 balls helped APF. Rijan Dhakal took four wickets for Bagmati, but APF’s total was already out of reach. The target proved too much for Bagmati.
A Suffocating Defense
Chasing 272 was always tough against APF's disciplined bowling. Bagmati struggled early. Bibek Magar scored a steady 34, but got little support. The rest of the team fell apart.
And then there was Rohit Paudel. The APF skipper, Rohit Paudel, the APF captain, led from the front. He and Abhash Gautam tore through the Bagmati lineup, each taking three wickets. They shut down the chase, bowling Bagmati out for just 200 runs in the 46th over of the match. It showed the difference between the professional departmental teams and the provincial squads. APF arrived ready, with a top scorer and bowlers who performed under pressure.
The final damage:
APF: 271/8 (50 overs)
Bagmati: 200 All Out (45.1 overs)
Result: APF wins by 71 runs.
