Koshi Province inched closer to the final with a resounding nine-wicket victory over Sudurpaschim Province in the Lalitpur Mayor Women’s Cricket Championship at the TU Ground in Kirtipur on Monday.

Sent in to bat first, Sudurpaschim were bowled out for 82 runs in 18.5 overs after they lost seven wickets in quick succession. Chasing the target, national captain Rubina Chhetry-led Koshi Province scored the winning total, losing only one wicket in 15.3 overs in the 20 overs format.

After their second win, Koshi replaced Sudurpaschim in the second spot on net run rate despite having an equal four points. But Sudurpaschim have completed all their four matches while Koshi are yet to play their last match against Madhesh Province on Monday.

If Koshi win, they will set up a title clash against Nepal Armed Police Force (APF) Club, who are already assured of a place in the final with six points from three matches. But a defeat would mean Koshi, Sudurpaschim and Madhesh will all have four points each and the group runners up will be determined on the basis of net run rate. The top two sides at the end of the round robin league would play the final in the five-team contest.

Sudurpaschim captain Bindu Rawal scored 30 runs off 45 balls, the highest of the innings, studded with four hits to the fence before she was bowled by Apsari Begam. Samjhana Khadka contributed a 19-ball 16 and Ritu Kanoujiya contributed 13 runs off 18 balls.

But the departure of Kanoujiya with 80-4 on board led to a dramatic collapse of the innings as they lost their next five batters adding just two runs.

Koshi captain Chhetry and Begam claimed three wickets each. Chhetry gave away only 11 runs in her four overs. Begam conceded 10 runs in her 2.5 overs.

Chasing the target, Koshi openers Kajal Shrestha and Chhetry made light work of the Sudurpaschim bowling, sharing a 73-run partnership for the first wicket. Shrestha played an unconquered innings of 40 runs, facing 50 deliveries. She slammed five boundaries while Chhetri contributed 28 runs off 41 balls. Shrestha hit two boundaries and was adjudged the player-of-the-match. Apsari Begam remained unbeaten on four runs.

Kabita Joshi claimed the only wicket of Koshi.

Lalitpur Mayor XI finish winless

Hosts Lalitpur Mayor’s XI finished without a single win after they lost to Madhesh Province by one wicket with four balls to spare in their last league game.

Opting to bat first, Lalitpur scored 96-5 before Madhesh won by scoring 98-9 in 19.2 overs.

With their fourth straight defeat, Lalitpur bowed out without opening their account on the points table while Madhesh kept afloat their slim hopes for the final. They have two points from three matches and the second finalist will be determined only after the outcome of the game against Koshi Province on Tuesday.

Sony Pakhrin top scored for Lalitpur, contributing 34 runs off 43 balls before Kabita Gautam trapped her leg before wicket. Laxmi Chaudhary (23 runs) and Shristi Jaisi (15 runs) were other notable contributors for Lalitpur.

Madhesh bowler Saraswati Kumari took two wickets.

In the run chase, Saraswati Kumari contributed an unbeaten 32 runs off 33 balls. The player-of-the-match scored three hits to the fence. Opener Alisha Yadav hit 16 runs off 20 balls and Seemak Kunwar contributed a 12-ball 15 for Madhesh. Lalitpur also conceded 13 extra runs.

Laltipur’s Sony Pakhrin and Kritika Marasini took two wickets each.