Match 21: Sudurpaschim vs Koshi
Koshi Soars to Playoffs with Record-Breaking Opening Stand
In a high-stakes encounter, Sudurpaschim came to bat after losing the toss and posted a challenging total of 118/3 in 20 overs. Opener Bindu Rawal set the tone with a solid 33, followed by Samjhana Khadka’s 27. The unbeaten contributions from Kabita Joshi (26) and Rewati Dhami (20) strengthened Sudurpaschim’s innings. Sabnam Rai and Apsari Begam claimed a wicket each for Koshi.
Chasing a target of 119, Koshi’s openers, Rubina Chhetry (56*) and Kajal Shrestha (54), etched their names in the record books with the highest partnership of the tournament. Later on, Kajal and Apsari Begam fell consecutively after leveling the score on the over of Anu Kadayat. Bimala sealed the convincing victory with a boundary, securing an 8-wicket win for Koshi. Kajal Shrestha’s outstanding performance earned her the Player of the Match accolade.
Match 22: Madhesh vs Lumbini
Puja Mahato’s Brilliance Propels Madhesh to Victory
In a gripping contest, Lumbini’s skipper opted to bat first but struggled to post a substantial total. Laxmi Chaudhary’s unbeaten run-a-ball 64 stood out, while Saraswati GM (10) was the only other batter to reach double digits. Lumbini finished at 96/7, with Sakshi Yadav taking 2 wickets for Madhesh.
During the chase, Puja Mahato took charge, displaying an unbeaten 60 off 59 balls. Anuradha Chaudhary contributed 17, and Saraswati Kumari’s unbeaten 12 ensured Madhesh’s 8-wicket victory. Kamala GM and Sushmita Bhusal claimed a wicket each. Puja Mahato, shining with both bat and ball, earned her second consecutive Player of the Match award in Madhesh’s second win of the tournament.
Match 23: APF vs Gandaki
APF Unstoppable: Qualifies for Qualifier 1 in Style
In afternoon’s encounter, APF faced off against Gandaki, with skipper Sita Rana Magar choosing to bat first. Despite early setbacks at 53/3 in 10.3 overs, the APF ship was steadied by the resilient partnership of Roma Thapa (31*) and Mamta Chaudhary (40*), guiding their team to a formidable 127/3 in 20 overs. Gandaki’s Jyotsnika Marasini managed to snatch 2 wickets, adding some resistance.
Gandaki, chasing a target of 128, found the going tough, finishing at 75/7. Shristi Jaisi and Suman Khatiwada showed some resistance with 17 runs each. The star of the match was undoubtedly APF’s Nary Thapa, who wreaked havoc with the ball, claiming an impressive 4 wickets. Her stellar performance secured APF’s sixth consecutive win, and she rightfully earned the Player of the Match award.
Match 24: Bagmati vs Karnali
Bagmati Dominates Karnali, Stamps Authority on Playoff Spot
In a one-sided affair, Karnali won the toss but faced a batting catastrophe, getting dismissed for a mere 42 runs in 13.4 overs. The wreckage saw Bina Thapa scoring 12 runs, and Shurati Budha adding 16 runs, with none of the other batters reaching double digits. Bagmati’s wrist spinner Khusi Dangol was the tormentor in chief, claiming 4 crucial wickets for just 18 runs.
Chasing the meager target of 43 runs, Bagmati’s openers Helisha Gurung (13* off 9 balls) and Yashu Pandey (25* off 20 balls) efficiently sealed the deal in the 5th over. Khusi Dangol’s exceptional all-round show rightly earned her the Player of the Match accolade in Bagmati’s commanding 10-wicket triumph.
With four playoff spots finalized, APF solidifies its place in Qualifier 1, while Bagmati confidently secures the Eliminator spot. The intriguing battle between Koshi and Sudurpaschim will decide their playoff fate, promising an exhilarating conclusion to the league stage. In the last round, Gandaki will lock horns with Sudurpaschim, Bagmati will take on APF, Madhesh battles Karnali, and Lumbini clashes with Koshi.
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