Sita Shahi´s all-round performance pulled off a 28-run victory for Nepalgunj against hosts Region No 3 (Kathmandu) while Baitadi thrashed Region No 4 (Bhairahawa) by 8 wickets in the semifinals played at the TU Cricket Ground on Tuesday. [break]
Nepalgunj scored 104/6 in 20 overs. Openers Manisha Rawal (23 runs) and Sita Rana Magar (15 runs) put up a 43-run partnership for the first wicket. Nepalgunj, then, lost other five wickets cheaply but women of the match Shahi anchored the innings with unbeaten 28 runs.
For Kathmandu, Neera Rajopadhyay and Sarita Magar each grabbed two wickets apiece.
Kathmandu in reply were restricted for 76/9. Nima Tamang was top-scorer with 15 runs while Shraddha Aryal added 11 runs. No other batswomen reached double figure. Nepalgunj gave away 18 runs in extras. Shahi and Binu Budhamagar picked two wickets each.
Earlier, Baitadi needed 15.5 overs to surpass Bhairahawa´s 78/6. Janaki Bhatta scored unbeaten 16 runs while Rekha Rawal added 15 runs. Maya Rawat contributed with not out 12 runs for the eight-wicket victory.
Indu Verma had led the Bhairahawa batting with 25 runs. Madhu Thapa got 18 runs and captain Khina Thapa scored 11 and followed it up with two wickets but could not take her team to the finals. Janaki Bhatta, who was later adjudged woman of the match, has claimed a wicket for Baitadi.
The final match will be played at the TU Cricket Ground on Wednesday.
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