Ahamad Raza took five wickets as the Bagmati Province triumphed over Madhesh Province by 152 runs to register their third successive victory in the Under-19 National Cricket Tournament, on Saturday.

Electing to bat first after winning the toss, openers Uttam Magar and Yogesh Bhat scored a half century each to guide Bagmati to 217, despite a batting failure at the Mulpani cricket ground.

In reply, Raza returned the match figures of 5 for 15 as Madhesh crumbled to 65 all out in just 25.5 overs—the lowest total in an innings yet by a team playing in the tournament.

Magar scored 71 off 98 balls that featured 12 boundaries and one six and shared a 111 run partnership for the third wicket with Bhat, who smashed four fours and four sixes in his aggressive 40-ball 59.

Magar’s opening partner Sakshyam Bastakoti fell for a nought and Captain Ashok Poudel departed after making only 8 runs, as Bagmati got into some early trouble.

But the century stand between Magar and Bhat lifted the Bagmati innings. Earlier, the pair had put on a 77-run stand in Bagmati’s opening win against Gandaki on Wednesday.

Prakit Shrestha scored 30 runs.

But the departure of Bhat and Magar midway in the innings triggered a dramatic collapse as Bagmati lost their remaining batters for just 30 runs.

Madhesh’s Rajesh Yadav took 4 for 24 that also included the wicket of Magar. Yadav’s 9.3 over spell also included a maiden over.

Abijit Mandal returned figures of 3 for 35 and Ranjit Kumar picked up two wickets. Abhishek Tiwari also took a wicket.

In reply, Raza started the demolition with his ruthless pace, quickly removing Imran Sheikh (3), Dablu Malik (3), Shailendra Sah (0), Megh Raj Ram (0) and Mayan Yadav (11) as Madhesh found themselves in deep trouble at 18 for 5 in 9.3 overs.

Abhishek Koirala then took three quick wickets in just 2.5 overs. Madhesh never quite recovered and succumbed to a humiliating loss in their tournament opener.

The third win in as many matches has sent Bagmati to the top of the seven-team table.

Sudurpaschim are placed second with four points, but have played a game less.

At the TU cricket ground, Lumbini Province bounced back from their opening loss to defeat Karnali Province by six wickets.

Captain Bishak Bikram KC took 4 for 17 to help Lumbini restrict Karnali, who were made to bat first after losing the toss, to a low total of 100.

Karnali captain Bipin Rawal top-scored, contributing 36 runs off 39 balls. Suwash Ayer (23) was the only other batter to reach the double-digit figures.

In the run case, opener Aakash Tripathi hit an unbeaten 52, facing 47 deliveries as Lumbini scored 102 for 4 in 20.5 overs to register their victory.

Dev Khanal (8), Vishal Bhusal (4), Bikram KC (13), Prajjwol Thapa (10) did not make any significant contributions. Manoj Magar remained not out on 9 runs.

Karnali’s Anuj Chanara took two wickets giving away 22 runs.

Karnali will be looking for their first win when they meet Madhesh on Sunday. The unbeaten team, Sudurpaschim, will take on Gandaki in the day’s other match.