Kathmandu, Nepal: The Prime Minister’s Cup Women’s Twenty20 National Cricket Tournament sizzled on Monday with fierce rivalries and nail-biting finishes. Madhesh Province roared back to life, crushing Gandaki by 27 runs for their first win and clawing their way to two points from four matches. Gandaki, left licking their wounds after their third defeat, also sitting at two points.

At Mulpani Cricket Ground, Madhesh set a gritty target of 113. Gandaki faltered in the chase, limping to 85/9 in 19.4 overs. Suman Khatiwada’s valiant 42 and Shrishti Jaisi’s 15 weren’t enough as Pooja Mahato’s fiery spell of 3-15, ably supported by Kavita, Saraswati Kumari Chaudhary, and Sakshi Yadav, choked the Gandaki batting.

Earlier, Madhesh sent into bat after losing the toss, battled through 20 overs to reach 112/7. Pooja Mahato again shone with 38, while Saraswati Kumari Chaudhary’s unbeaten 26 and Pratima Shah’s 10 proved crucial. Suman Khatiwada claimed 3 wickets for Gandaki, while Kushum Godar and Shrishti Jaisi chipped in with one each.

Meanwhile, at Kirtipur’s TU Cricket Ground, Lumbini Province cruised to a 30-run victory over winless Karnali, boosting their tally to four points from four matches. Karnali remains rooted to the bottom with no points on the board.

Chasing Lumbini’s 134, Karnali faltered at 103/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Gauri Bohra, Yamuna Tharu, Anju Gurung, and Rashmi Khadka fought valiantly, but Lumbini’s bowling attack proved too strong. Saraswati Pun and Kritika Marasini claimed two wickets each, while Chameli Chaudhary and Sarmila Rokka picked up one wicket each.

Lumbini, after losing the toss, had posted a competitive 133. Captain Saraswati Gharti Magar anchored the innings with a superb 53 off 62 balls. Ashma Pulami Magar chipped in with 25, and Chameli Chaudhary added a valuable 18. Karnali’s bowlers – Yamuna Tharu, Rashmi Khadka, and Tirsna Bishwakarma – each managed one wicket.

The Prime Minister’s Cup Women’s T20 is a daily thriller, with every match delivering drama and leaving fans desperate for the next clash. Buckle up, folks, because this tournament is just getting started!