Kathmandu, May 29

Saurav Khanal’s unbeaten 49-ball 90 went in vain as Western Development Region faced a 16-run defeat at the hands of Nepal APF Club under Duckworth-Lewis Method in their Group A match of the first Prime Minister Cup One-day National Men’s Cricket Tournament here today.

In the rain-affected match at the Tribhuvan University Stadium, APF had reached 160-4 in 37 overs before rain stopped the play. Chasing a revised target of 148 runs from 20 overs, Western managed 131-6 despite Khanal’s heroics.

Khanal played a superb knock by hitting three boundaries and 11 sixes that included five from an over bowled by Avinash Bohara. Western had a disastrous run chase as they were reduced to 33-6 inside 9.2 overs before Khanal punished APF bowlers. Khanal shared a partnership of 98 runs with Bidhan Shrestha (eight) for the unbroken seventh wicket. Khanal was adjudged the man-of-the-match and got Rs 5,000.

Skipper Gyanendra Malla was the pick of the APF bowlers taking 3-29, while Sandeep Jhora, Avinash Bohara and Bhuvan Karki claimed one wicket apiece.

Earlier, the match was stopped at a time when APF’s Pradeep Airee (45 off 52) and Malla (33 off 52) were at the crease. The pair had shared a 66-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Airee hit five boundaries and Malla’s innings included two boundaries.

Opener Subash Khakurel scored 50 off 64 balls with the help of four boundaries and a six, while Aasif Sheikh contributed 19 off 34 hitting three fours. Lal Adhikari took 2-31, while Dhiraj Shahi and Bipin Khatri claimed one each for Western.

On Tuesday, Central Region will take on Mid-western Region in Group A match.