Kuwait Women U19 produced a disciplined all-round display to defeat Singapore Women U19 by 19 runs via the Duckworth-Lewis Method in a rain-affected encounter of the ACC Women’s U19 Premier Cup 2026 at the YSD UKM Oval, Bangi.
After putting together a competitive batting performance, Kuwait’s bowlers struck early and never allowed Singapore to gain any momentum before persistent rain brought an early end to the chase. With Singapore struggling at 11/2 after 5.2 overs, the revised D/L calculations handed Kuwait a deserved victory, rewarding their superior performance across both innings.
Opting to bat first, Kuwait Women U19 suffered an early setback when Zeefa Jilani managed just 2 runs from 6 deliveries before she was caught by Ankitha Varsha Raj off the bowling of Roma Raval. The early wicket left Kuwait at 3/1 in 1.2 overs, putting immediate pressure on the top order. However, Angel Dcosta and Raelyn Maria responded superbly by rebuilding the innings with a composed 61-run partnership from 67 balls.
Angel played the aggressor’s role, striking 45 off 44 balls with eight boundaries, while Raelyn anchored the innings with a valuable 24 from 34 deliveries, including five fours. Their stand steadied Kuwait after the early breakthrough and shifted the momentum firmly in their favour. Singapore finally broke the important partnership when Raelyn Maria was dismissed at 64/2 in the 12.3rd over, caught by Ankitha Varsha Raj off Karthika Chelladurai. Despite losing her partner, Angel continued to score freely and added another useful 31-run partnership from 24 balls alongside Pearl Serena.
Angel’s fluent innings eventually came to an end at 95/3 in the 16.2nd over, once again falling to Ankitha Varsha Raj, who claimed the wicket herself after taking the catch for the earlier dismissals. From there, Pearl Serena ensured Kuwait maintained the momentum with an unbeaten 22 off 27 balls, featuring three boundaries, while captain Candice Jerica contributed an unbeaten 8 off 10 deliveries. The pair safely negotiated the remaining overs to guide Kuwait to 113/3 in 20 overs at a run rate of 5.65. Kuwait also benefited from 12 extras, including 11 wides, which added valuable runs to the final total.
Singapore Women U19’s bowling attack fought hard despite the partnerships. Ankitha Varsha Raj delivered a complete all-round effort, returning figures of 4-0-23-1 while also taking two excellent catches. Roma Raval struck first and finished with 4-0-17-1, maintaining excellent control throughout her spell. Karthika Chelladurai impressed with 4-0-16-1, providing a crucial breakthrough during the middle overs. Laasya Amrutha Reddy bowled economically for 3-0-14-0, while Zoe Arunima Diwedi Regine recorded 3-0-21-0. Anushka Tomar completed her two-over spell with figures of 2-0-22-0, although Kuwait managed to accelerate against her during the latter stages.
Singapore’s chase never found its rhythm as Kuwait’s bowlers immediately applied relentless pressure. Captain Laasya Amrutha Reddy struggled to get going and scored 4 off 10 balls before becoming the first wicket, caught and bowled brilliantly by Angel Dcosta. Before that dismissal, Laasya and Anushka Tomar had managed only a 3-run opening partnership. Anushka Tomar also found scoring difficult and departed for 1 off 6 deliveries, again falling to the impressive Angel Dcosta, who completed another caught-and-bowled dismissal. Singapore slipped to 11/2 in 4.3 overs, with the chase already under severe pressure.
The only resistance came from Ankitha Varsha Raj, who remained unbeaten on 5 from 13 balls, while Jui Rameshwar Surwase was yet to open her account after facing 3 deliveries. Their partnership remained intact when heavy rain interrupted play after 5.2 overs, leaving Singapore stranded on 11/2 with a run rate of just 2.06. Following the prolonged interruption, conditions prevented any further action, and the Duckworth-Lewis Method confirmed Kuwait Women U19 as winners by 19 runs.
Kuwait’s bowling performance was led brilliantly by Angel Dcosta, who produced the defining spell of the match. She bowled 3 overs, conceded just 3 runs, and claimed 2 wickets, dismantling Singapore’s top order while maintaining outstanding accuracy. Candice Jerica complemented her perfectly, returning economical figures of 2.2 overs, 8 runs and no wickets, ensuring there was no opportunity for Singapore to rebuild after the early blows.
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