Kathmandu, October 21

Pokhara Paltan defeated Lalitpur Falcons by six wickets to claim the consolation victory in the Women’s Champions League Twenty20 Cricket Tournament here at the TU Stadium today.

In a match between the two already eliminated teams, the Falcons posted 122-7 after electing to bat first. The Paltan reached 123- 4 with 16 balls to spare to register their first victory of the tournament. Falcons faced defeat in all four matches.

Mamta Chaudhary scored half century for Falcons, hitting seven boundaries in her 51-ball 52, while Kabita Joshi struck six fours in her quick fire 31 off 23 balls. Sonu Khadka (10) also scored in double digit.

Paltan skipper Sita Rana Magar took 2-24 from four overs, while Nabina Khadka, Anjali Chand and Rajmati Airee grabbed one wicket each.

Pokhara Paltan’s Kabita Kunwar plays a shot against Lalitpur Falcons during their Women’s Champions League match at the TU Stadium on Monday, October 21, 2019.Photo: THT

In reply, Paltan made a disastrous start losing three wickets for just five runs in 4.2 overs. But Bindu Rawal and Kabita Kunwar revived the innings with a record 106-run partnership for the fourth wicket. The first century partnership between Rawal and Kunwar is the highest stand for all wickets in the WCL.

Rawal struck four boundaries in her 44-ball 40, while Kunwar remained unbeaten on 61 off just 42 balls that included 10 fours. Anjali Chand scored five not out as she combined with player-of-the-match Kunwar to complete the formality adding 12 runs for the unbroken fifth wicket. Mamta Chaudhary and skipper Nary Thapa claimed two wickets each for Falcons.

Biratnagar Titans will face Kat Queens Kathmandu in Tuesday’s eliminator and the winning team will play against Chitwan Rhinos in the final slated for Thursday.

While Rhinos advanced to the final as the top team in the table after league round, Queens and Titans finished second and third respectively making it to the playoffs.

A total of five city-based franchise teams took part in the tournament organised by Queens Event Management Pvt Ltd. Top two sides will receive Rs 700,000 and Rs 300,000 respectively.

Likewise, player of the series will get TVS scooter and Rs 50,000, while the best bowler and batter will earn Rs 25,000 each.