KATHMANDU, July 27: Armed Police Force (APF) lifted the title of National Women's Selection Championship 2073 beating Eastern Region by 10 runs in the final on Tuesday.

An unbeaten 51-run partnership for second wicket between Sita Rana Magar and Sarita Magar was enough to guide the departmental giant to win the final match played at Tribhuwan University ground, Kirtipur.

Put to bat first, APF made 64 runs for the loss of one wicket and restricted Eastern Region for 54 runs for five wickets in the match reduced to10-over per side due to wet outfield.

Tournament's second highest wicket taker Kabita Gautam of Eastern Region picked an early wicket sending opener Jyoti Pandey (8) to the pavilion with 15 runs on board.

But other opener Sita partnered for an unbeaten 51 runs with player-of-the-tournament Sarita to take the match under control. Sita made 29 runs off 28 deliveries which included a boundary. Sarita Magar contributed 22 runs in just 18 balls to keep the momentum.

 Eastern Captain Rubina Chhetri became the most expensive bowler giving away 20 runs in her two-over spell. Kabita was the sole wicket taker for Eastern with a wicket under her scalp.

Chasing the target, Easter Region made a shaky start losing openers Kajol Shrestha and Anuradha Chaudhary with19 runs on board. Kajol (6) and Anuradha (8) were caught and bowled by APF's Karuna   Bhandari and Sarita respectively.

Eastern Captain Rubina and Rashmi Sharma were the only players to reach double digit figures. Rubina contributed 16 runs facing 15 balls remaining not out. Rashmi hit 12 runs before she was run out by Karuna.

APF players Karuna and Sarita bagged one wicket each.

With the win in the final, APF bagged cash prize Rs 100,000 with the trophy while runner-up Eastern had to settle for Rs 50,000.

APF's Sarita Magar was declared the player-of-the-tournament and was awarded with Rs 10,000 and trophy. Laxmi Chaudhary of Mid-Western was handed the best batswomen trophy and given Rs 5,000. She had scored 61 runs in the tournament. Eastern Region's Santoshi Chaudhary, who had taken 6 wickets throughout the tournament, was adjudged the best bowler. She also had her share of Rs 5,000. Sabnam Rai of Eastern was named the best fielder.

Best players
Best fielder    Sabnam Rai (Eastern)
Best batswoman    Laxmi Chaudhary (Mid Western)
Best bowler    Santoshi Chaudhary (Eastern)
Player of the tournament     Sarita Magar (APF)

 
• armed police force
 
• national cricket title