LAHORE: Defending champions Challengers suffered their second successive defeat when they lost to the Invincibles by 30 runs in the fourth match of the National Women’s T20 Tournament at the Ghani Glass Cricket Ground on Monday.

Challengers had lost their opening match to the Stars by 39 runs. In contrast, it was the Invincibles’ second straight victory, following their four-wicket win over the Strikers.

The Invincibles batted first and posted a competitive 168 for five. Gull Feroza struck a 24-ball 43 with seven fours, while Maham Anees’s 43 came off 38 balls with three fours and two sixes. Iram Javed also chipped in with a useful 35 off 25 balls, including three fours and a six.

For the Challengers, Neelam Mushtaq and Diana Baig took two wickets each.

In reply, the Challengers were restricted to 138 for eight. No.6 batter Arijah Haseeb top-scored with an unbeaten run-a-ball 37 with four fours, while Natalia Parvaiz struck a 17-ball 31 with four fours and a six.

For the Invincibles, Noreen Yaqoob and Momina Riasat took two wickets each.

Scores in brief:

Match 4 – Invincibles beat Challengers by 30 runs, Ghani Glass Cricket Ground

Invincibles 168-5, 20 overs (Gull Feroza 43, Maham Anees 43, Iram Javed 35; Neelam Mushtaq 2-27, Diana Baig 2-28)

Challengers 138-8, 20 overs (Arijah Haseeb 37 not out, Natalia Pervaiz 31; Noreen Yaqoob 2-25, Momina Riasat 2-28)

Player of the match: Gull Feroza (Invincibles)

Tuesday’s fixtures: Strikers v Stars at Bagh-e-Jinnah (10am); Challengers v Conquerors, Ghani Glass Cricket Ground (10am)