Birgunj — Sony Pakhrin struck an unbeaten 54 before Krishma Gurung claimed four wickets for seven runs as Bagmati Province Women defeated Gandaki Province Women by 90 runs to secure a semi-final place.
Sent in after Gandaki won the toss at the TB Shah Cricket Ground on Wednesday, Bagmati posted 130/3 from their 20 overs.
Openers Helisha Gurung and Kanchan Shrestha provided a solid platform with a 54-run partnership. Helisha scored 28 from 29 balls, hitting three fours, before being run out from the final delivery of the ninth over.
Kanchan made 25 from 44 balls before Seemana KC had her stumped, leaving Bagmati at 85/2 in 14.4 overs.
Sony then transformed the innings with the first half-century of the tournament. She remained unbeaten on 54 from only 34 deliveries, striking seven fours at a strike rate of 158.82.
Bipisha Shahi added 11 from 11 balls, while captain Ashmina Karmacharya finished unbeaten on three. Seemana and Yasoda Bhujel took one wicket each for Gandaki.
Chasing 131, Gandaki lost wickets from the outset and were dismissed for just 40 in 11.5 overs.
Krishma removed Dipika Sapkota for one before dismissing Rekha Tamang and Serina Thapa two balls apart. She then removed Rachana Chaudhary to complete a devastating spell of 4-1-7-4.
Sambhavya Dhakal returned equally economical figures of 2/5 from three overs, including a maiden. Ashmina took 1/18, while Bagmati completed three run-outs during an excellent fielding display.
Rachana was the only Gandaki batter to reach double figures, making 11 from nine balls. Seemana remained unbeaten on seven as six Gandaki batters were dismissed without scoring.
Krishma was named Player of the Match for her four-wicket haul. The commanding victory earned Bagmati two points and confirmed their place in the semi-finals.
