Singapore upset Kuwait

EDWARD THANGARAJAH

Singapore pulled off a sensational five-wicket victory over Kuwait, in a high-scoring match in the Asian Women's Under 19 cricket tournament yesterday in Chiang Mai.

Batting first on the Prem Centre turf, Kuwait scored 114 for 6 with Siobhan Gomez top-scoring with an immaculate 60 not out. She hit eight fours in a lusty knock.

Siobhan earned the highest score of the competition and was given a rousing cheer when she reached the first 50 of the tournament. For Singapore, Tanya Sen bowled best, capturing three wickets for 13 runs.

When Singapore went to bat it appeared to be a tall order. To compound their predicament, they lost their first five wickets for 27 runs, with Priyada Murali capturing two wickets in the first over.

Then came a brilliant batting display, and a fighting, unbeaten sixth wicket partnership of 88 runs. Vigneshwary Pasupathy scored 51 not out with Soh Xin Ying giving her outstanding support with 18 not out. Singapore hoisted victory in 22.2 overs.

Gomez completed a good double in the match, capturing three wickets for 23 runs and Priyada Murali took two for eight.

Hong Kong beat Oman by nine wickets at the Chiang Mai Gymkhana ground thanks to their all-rounder Keenu Gill who captured three wickets for ten runs and scored an unbeaten 20. Chau Sau Her who bagged four wickets for three runs and Mariko Hill who took the last two wickets led Hong Kong to their easy victory.

Batting first, Oman scored only 25 runs in the 18.2 overs and Hong Kong replied with 26 for 1 in 2.4 overs.

Hong Kong must beat Qatar today,if they are to join the Thais in the semis.

Malaysia took one step to qualifying for the semis, when they defeated China by 10 wickets.

After electing to bat first, China managed only 21 runs in 15 overs. Alexandra Sunmugam (4 for 6) and Nur Aishah (3 for 6) did the damage, with fine spells of bowling, while openers, Zaibibiana Affandi and Efilla Tarok batted comfortably, to carry their side to victory.