Armed Police Force (APF) clinched the title of the Wai Wai Women’s National T20 Cricket Tournament as it defeated Region No 5 (Nepalgunj) by 34 runs in the final at the Pokhara Stadium on Wednesday.
It was consecutive domestic title for APF, which had won gold medal in the Sixth National Games held in Mahendranagar earlier this year.
APF elected to bat and put up 110/5 in 20 overs at the Pokhara Stadium as opener Madhu Thapa scored 41 runs off 39 balls and Sita Rana Magar struck 11 runs. Sarita Magar remained unbeaten with 22 runs and Nepalguj bowled 20 extras to help APF reach the big total.
In reply, Nepalgunj reached only 76/5 in 20 overs. Laxmi Chaudhary scored 35 runs off 59 balls and Trishna Singh added 17 runs for Nepalgunj but those attempts were not enough to avoid defeat. Sonu Khadka and Sarita Magar took two wickets each for APF’s victory.
With the title victory, APF received Rs 25,000 while runner-up Nepalgunj bagged Rs 15,000. Nepalgunj was the winner of the last domestic women’s cricket tournament.
APF opener Thapa was adjudged player-of-the-final as she top-scored the match. She bagged Rs 5,000.
Sita Rana Magar of APF received the best batswoman trophy. She had scored 111 runs in four group stage matches with an average of 55.50.
Likewise, Sarita Magar, also from APF, received the trophy of the best bowler. She has taken nine wickets in four group stage matches with an economy of 2.06. Sita and Sarita both got Rs 5,000 for the award.
Meanwhile, Roshani Bohara of Region No 6 (Baitadi) was awarded the player-of-the-series. She had scored 99 runs and claimed six wickets during the tournament. Bohara bagged Rs 10,000 for her all round performance.
National Sports Council Treasurer Indra Bahadur Thing, Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) Ashok Nath Pyakuryal, sponsor CG Foods’ Assistant General Manager Lal Babu Prasad and other officials gave away prizes and awards to the winners.