Sudurpaschim set up APF final

Bindu Rawal’s team defeat Bagmati Province by 109 runs in the last group fixture in Kirtipur to advance into the final as group runners-up.

SPORTS BUREAU

KATHMANDU, May 17

Sudurpaschim Province progressed into the final of the Lalitpur Mayor Women’s T20 Championship defeating Bagmati Province by a massive 109 runs at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Friday.

Sudurpaschim’s opponents in the Saturday’s title match will be defending champions Armed Police Force Club, who are the most successful side of the tournament having won all of previous three editions.

APF, who are bidding to a record-extending fourth Lalitpur Mayor T20 crown, are the only side to have maintained a perfect run in the tournament. They progressed into the final as group winners after accumulating eight points from four matches.

Sudurpaschim became group runners-up with six points.

Samjhana Khadka scored an unbeaten half-century—her second fifty of the tournament—while Rubi Poddar, skipper Bindu Rawal and Kabita Joshi were also impressive with the bat.

Openers Poddar and Khadka gave Sudurpaschim a strong start scoring 60 runs for the first wicket, before Poddar departed in the ninth over making 28 runs off 36 balls.

Khadka then put on a 43-run stand with captain Rawal for the second wicket to put Sudurpaschim in the driving seat.

After Rawal departed for 28 for 23 in the 15th over, caught by Krishma Gurung, Khadka completed her fifty off 35 balls and added another 54 with Kabita Joshi for the third wicket to post a big 157-2 from 20 overs.

Khadka ended her innings unconquered on 74. Her 47-ball knock featured 10 hits to the fences.

Joshi was not out on 20 runs.

In the chase, Bagmati were all out for just 48 runs in 16.1 overs, thanks to a lethal bowling from Ritu Kanoujiya who took 3-5 in her magical four over spell that also included one maiden over.

Joshi and Laxmi Saud were also outstanding with the figures of 2-16 and 2-5.

Except Gurung (16), none other Bagmati batters could score in double digits.

Rawal and Karishma Thapa also took one wicket apiece for Sudurpaschim.

The tournament features five teams, including Mayor XI along with four teams reaching the playoff round of the 2023-24 Prime Minister Cup Women’s T20 National Cricket Tournament.

APF, Koshi Province, Sudurpaschim and Bagmati entered the Lalitpur Mayor T20 as teams reaching the PM Cup playoffs. APF won the tournament that was held from December 21, 2023 to January 3, 2024.

Mayor’s XI consists of players from the remaining four teams—Madhesh Province, Lumbini Province, Gandaki Province and Karnali Province—who failed to qualify for the Prime Minister Cup semi-finals.