Defending champions Armed Police Force Club wrapped up their group stage with a perfect record as they defeated Sudurpaschim Province by three wickets in the Lalitpur Mayor Women’s T20 Championship at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Thursday.

APF had already secured their spot in the final on Wednesday after registering their third consecutive victory in as many matches.

Thursday’s victory also ensured APF top spot in the five-team standing.

APF will now look to win a record extending fourth title in the title match on Saturday.

Electing to field first after winning the toss, APF restricted Sudurpaschim to 111-5 in the allotted 20 overs.

Sudurpaschim captain Bindu Rawal top scored for the team with 36 runs off 51 balls.

Bindu and opener Rubi Poddar put on a 57-run stand for the second wicket.

After Poddar returned to the pavilion making 29 runs off 36 balls, Bindu added 37 runs with Kabita Joshi, who played 29 not out off 28 balls, to guide Sudurpaschim to a fighting total.

Manisha Bohara, Samjhana Khadka, Ritu Kanoujiya could not score in double digits.

Rekha Rawal and national team captain Indu Barma took one wicket each for APF.

In reply, APF made a shaky start to their chase, losing Rajmati Airee (11), Barma (4) and Sita Rana Magar (5) cheaply.

Roma Thapa departed next scoring 23 runs off 20 balls, leaving APF in deep trouble at 50-4 in the eighth over.

But Mamta Chaudhary played an unbeaten 32-ball knock and Sarita Magar added 19 runs off 30 balls to lead the departmental side to 112-7 in 19.4 overs.

Laxmi Saud picked two wickets for Sudurpaschim. Janaki Thapa, Joshi, Kanoujiya, Sneha Mahara and Bindu pocketed one wicket apiece.

In the day’s other action, Koshi Province defeated Lalitpur Mayor’s XI by six wickets to register their first win of the tournament.

Apsari Begam took 3-25 and Alisha Khadiya returned the figures to 2-9 to help Koshi restrict Mayor’s XI to a low total of 88-9.

Ashma Pulami Magar top scored for Mayor’s XI. She was unbeaten on 26 not out.

Kiran Kunwar provided the second highest score with 13 runs.

In reply, Kajal Shrestha and Tika Shah played a 56-run stand for the second wicket to guide Koshi to victory.

Shrestha scored 36 runs off 45 balls, while Shah made 25 off 34 balls.

On Friday, Sudurpaschim will face Bagmati Province in the last group fixture.

The final will take place on Saturday.