The ACC Women’s U19 Premier Cup 2026 served up an intriguing contest at the Bayuemas Cricket Oval in Kuala Lumpur, as Indonesia Women U19 clashed against Bhutan Women U19. Winning a crucial toss, the Indonesian team elected to field first, a tactical decision that immediately reaped dividends on a track offering initial assistance to the new-ball bowlers.
Bhutan’s innings struggled to gain any early traction against a highly disciplined Indonesian bowling attack. Openers Ngawang Choden and Sherab Dema walked out with intent, but the opening partnership was abruptly cut short at just 2 runs in the very first over. Skipper Ngawang Choden was cleaned up by a sharp delivery from NI Kadek Dwi Aprillia Putri after scoring just 2 off 5 balls. Cheku Dechen then joined Dema to steady the ship, constructing a brief 10-run partnership off 18 deliveries. However, Isabella Sirs broke through in the fourth over, dismissing Dechen for a painstaking 8-ball duck.
Faced with a complete top-order collapse, Sonam Pelden and Samjana Mongar dug deep to stitch together a resilient rescue act. The pair batted with immense patience, grinding out a vital partnership to give their side something to defend. While Pelden anchored one end with a gritty 17 off 44 deliveries, Mongar proved to be the top scorer of the innings, remaining unbeaten on 24 off 45 balls, which included two boundaries. The duo batted late into the death overs before Pelden was finally cleaned up by Putri in the 20th over. A frantic final over saw Thsering Choki Choden run out for 1 run as Bhutan finished their 20 overs at a modest 66 for 6, aided by 11 extras.
Indonesia’s bowling figures reflected absolute control. NI Kadek Dwi Aprillia Putri led the charge with a standout spell of 2 for 15 in her 4 overs, while Isabella Sirs kept things exceptionally tight with figures of 1 for 7 in her 4 overs. Support from Ni Komang Sukmayanthi Kari Putri (0/6 in 2 overs), Anace Elna Elizabeth (0/11 in 4 overs), Derni Rambu Bangi (0/10 in 3 overs), and Intan Berlian (0/15 in 3 overs) ensured the batting side never found their rhythm.
Chasing a modest target, Indonesia U19’s reply started with a minor hiccup. Opener Meutia Diaz Sanjoyo struck one boundary to score 4 runs off 3 balls before being dismissed by Ngawang Choden in the opening over, leaving the score at 5 for 1. However, any hopes of a Bhutanese fightback were swiftly crushed by a commanding second-wicket partnership. Ni Putu Elyn Novita Dewi and skipper Hilva Nuraulia Siami Lukman took full charge of the chase, putting on a match-winning 57-run-stand, off 62 deliveries. Novita Dewi played the role of the aggressor, playing a fluent knock of 33 off 34 balls highlighted by six elegant boundaries.
Captain Lukman played a calculated supporting hand, accumulating 22 runs from 30 balls with three hits to the fence. Just as the target appeared within touching distance, Bhutan clawed back with quick consecutive breakthroughs. Sangay Yangzom dismissed Lukman in the 11th over, followed immediately by Samjana Mongar cleaning up the set Novita Dewi in the next over, leaving Indonesia at 62 for 3. Despite the quick wickets, the result was never in doubt. Anace Elna Elizabeth (0* off 0 balls) and NI Kadek Dwi Aprillia Putri (4* off 2 balls with a boundary) comfortably knocked off the remaining runs. Indonesia Women U19 crossed the line effortlessly at 67 for 3 in just 11.3 overs to secure an emphatic 7-wicket victory.
Bhutan’s bowlers put up a spirited fight despite the low total, led by Ngawang Choden (1/20 in 4 overs), Samjana Mongar (1/14 in 2.3 overs), and Sangay Yangzom (1/7 in 2 overs), while Jigme Tshomo (0/9) and Thsering Choki Choden (0/17) bowled short, supportive spells in a losing cause.
Loves all things female cricket