Koshi and Sudur Pashchim competing today for a place in finals against APF

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Jan.1:Losing the match by 52 runs on Sunday, Koshi will now play against Sudur Pashchim at Qualifier 2 today. Sudur Pashchim marched towards a place in the finals after defeating Bagmati Province at Eliminator 1 held Sunday evening.

On the other hand, Armed Police Force (APF) has become the PM Cup Women’s National Cricket Tournament's major contender once again. Title-defender APF booked its place in the finals after winning at Qualifier 1 against Koshi Province on Sunday.

It will be a good competition on the English New Year’s Day between the second and third-positioned Koshi and Sudur Pashchim respectively. The winner will face APF for the cup on January 3, 2025.

Electing to bat first in the morning match at the Tribhuvan University (TU) International Cricket Ground, APF posted a target of 140 in the loss of two wickets. A half-century by Indu Barma, who remained not out, and Sita Rana Magar’s 45 off 37 balls helped APF reach 139 by the end of 20 overs.

Rubina Chhetry became the only bowler for Koshi to claim a wicket. APF bowlers could also not take enough wickets, but they prevented Koshi batters from reaching the target.

After playing all 20 overs in the run chase, Koshi could only score 87 in the loss of four wickets. Apsari Begam was Koshi’s highest scorer with 31 off 48 followed by Rubina Chhetry’s 22 off 26.

Sita, who was only five runs short of a half-century, claimed a wicket by giving only nine runs with the bowl. Rekha Rawal also claimed a wicket for APF giving only 11 runs.

The contest in the Eliminator round also saw a proficient half-century by Bindu Rawal as she helped Sudur Pashchim win against Bagmati. Rawal, who hit seven fours, remained not out at 54 runs off 49 balls with Samjhana Khadka (21 runs off 16 balls). Sudur Pashchim won by nine wickets as they chased the target of 100 in 14.3 overs. Rubi Poddar also departed after scoring 18 runs for Sudur Pashchim. 

With one over remaining, Bagmati was bowled out at 99 runs as Karishma Thapa took three wickets, and Laxmi Saud and Ritu Kanoujiya took two wickets each. Kanchan Shrestha was Bagmati’s highest scorer with 36 runs off 46 balls.