Madhesh Province defeated Lumbini Province by 16 runs in a deciding Group B clash to progress into the semi-finals of the Prime Minister Cup National Women’s Twenty20 cricket tournament in Itahari on Wednesday.

Sana Praveen scored an unbeaten 46 to propel Madhesh, who were sent in to bat first at the Janata Cricket Park, to 107-5 in 20 overs.

In reply, Madhesh bundled out Lumbini for 91-5 to secure second position and advance from Group ‘B’ as group runners-up.

Madhesh openers Anuradha Chaudhary (0) and Alisha Yadav (8) departed cheaply but Praveen kept her cool hitting five boundaries in her unconquered 64-ball knock to lay the foundation for victory.

Roji Kadari provided the second highest score for Madhesh with 15 as none other batters managed to touch double digit figures.

Maneesha Rana, Saraswati Pun and Bivasna BC took one wicket each for Lumbini.

In the run chase, Lumbini lost wickets at regular intervals and were in deep trouble at 56-4 in the 15th over, with openers Laxmi Chaudhary (12), Asthma Pulami Magar (11), captain Saraswati Ganga Magar (11) and Saraswati Pun (10) failing to give the team any momentum.

Ranju Shrestha and Madhu DC made unbeaten 21 each to stage a late fight back but fell short of 16 runs to complete the chase.

Bhumi Singh took 2-10 and Kabita Gautam pocketed one wicket for Madhesh.

The win gave Madhesh their second victory and four points from three games, two off leaders Province 1, who qualified for the last four as group winners.

Lumbini, who stayed in the third position, exited the tournament with two points. Karnali are at the bottom of the four-team standings without a win.

Madhesh meet Group A winners Sudurpaschim Province and Province 1 take on Group A runners-up APF Club in the semi-finals.

In the dead rubber Group A action, Bagmati Province saw off Gandaki Province by 37 runs to return home with a consolation victory.

Bagmati opted to bat first and posted 135-5 after Kanchan Shrestha smashed a half century.

Shrestha hit 56 runs that included nine boundaries in her 52-ball knock.

Captain Asmina Karmacharya scored 18 not out, Sonly Pakhrin made 13 and Helisha Gurung contributed 11 runs for Bagmati.

In response, Karmacharya took three wickets giving away 19 runs as Bagmati restricted Gandaki to 98-5.

For Gandaki, Seemana KC scored 36 not out off 56 balls and captain Shristi Jaise hit 34 runs facing 38 deliveries. None other batters reached the double digit figure.