By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Mar 26, 2026 14:46 PM • 34 views
KATHMANDU — In a high-stakes clash at the Mulpani Cricket Stadium, Shankar Rana delivered a batting masterclass to steer Nepal Police Club to a seven-wicket victory over Bagmati Province. The departmental side chased down a formidable target of 266 with nearly six overs to spare, signalling their intent to dominate the PM Cup. They looked untouchable under the afternoon sun.
The Chase: Rana and Kharel Set the Foundation
The Police Club’s pursuit began with a clinical opening stand that effectively sucked the life out of Bagmati’s defence. Openers Dinesh Kharel and Shankar Rana dismantled the bowling attack during a 159-run partnership, punishing every loose delivery with surgical precision. Kharel played the aggressor early on, bludgeoning 70 runs off 75 balls, including eight boundaries and three towering sixes, before Subash Khatri finally found the breakthrough.
Despite the loss of Dilshad Ali for just 8, Rana remained unbothered as he anchored the innings with a veteran’s poise. He surged toward three figures, eventually carving out a magnificent 116 runs from 128 deliveries, a knock decorated with 13 fours and 4 sixes. Alongside skipper Aarif Sheikh, who remained unbeaten on 43, Rana ensured the chase never derailed. He simply refused to miss.
Bagmati’s Mid-Innings Surge Falls Short
Bagmati won the toss, batted first, and posted 265 despite a shaky start at 71-3. Ishan Pandey and Pawan Sarraf rescued the innings with a gritty 124-run stand. Both reached half-centuries, with Sarraf scoring 79, but Bagmati lacked late-innings firepower.
As Bagmati pushed to accelerate in the final overs, the Police bowling unit, spearheaded by Karan KC's pace and Rashid Khan's discipline, kept them on a leash throughout the death overs.
This win marks Police Club's second victory, securing their spot near the top. Bagmati Province now faces an uphill fight after its second loss in three games. The departmental giants were simply clinical.
