JANAKPURDHAM: Lumbini Province registered their first victory in the ongoing Neco Cup Women’s T20 National Cricket Tournament, defeating Karnali Province by five wickets at the Ram Janaki Multi-purpose Stadium today.

After winning the toss, Lumbini opted to field first and restricted Karnali Province to a modest total of 85 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their allotted 20 overs. For Karnali, Ganga Khadka scored 14 runs, Anju Gurung contributed 13, and Trishna Bishwokarma made 12 runs, while other batters failed to reach double digits. Lumbini’s bowling attack was led by Manisha Rana, who scalped three wickets, while Susmita Bhusal took two, and Anji Pathak claimed one wicket.

In reply, Lumbini chased down the 86-run target in 15 overs, losing five wickets. Captain Asma Pulami Magar anchored the innings with 28 runs, well-supported by Ranju Shrestha who chipped in with 23 runs. Lumbini’s Manisha Rana was named Player of the Match for her crucial bowling spell. With this win, Lumbini has accumulated three points from three matches (one win, one loss, and one tie) to sit second in the group, while Karnali occupies the third spot with the same number of points.

The tournament is organized through the coordination of the Ministry of Sports and Social Welfare of Madhesh Province, the Madhesh Sports Council, and the Nepal Sports Federation. A total of nine teams, including seven provincial teams and two departmental sides (Tribhuvan Army Club and Armed Police Force), are competing in the event, which runs until June 28 across venues in Janakpurdham and Birgunj.