Economical bowling spurs UAE girls to victory over China

The UAE's bowlers turned in an inspired at the ACC Women's Under-19 Championship in Singapore.

The UAE's bowlers turned in an inspired performance to beat China by three wickets in the ACC Women's Under-19 Championship in Singapore.

Sneha Sankar captured two wickets for just five runs while Hamaira Tasneem (one for 11) and Petule (one for 10) were both hard to score against as China were restricted to 84 for seven in their allotted 25 overs, a target the UAE girls achieved with 11 balls to spare.

The victory keeps the national team's hopes alive after their early loss to Bhutan.

China, fast emerging as a future power in the game, had built their innings around Miao Zau, who top-scored with a fine 33 while Xiang Ruan remained unbeaten on 14.

In reply, Monique D'Souza (16) and Shambhavi Gupta (13) batted well to see off the China attack while Aashna Khemani (seven) and Sneha (six) also made valuable runs.

Earlier, the UAE team lost their opening match to Bhutan by four wickets, but not before putting up a brave fight.

Khemani (12) and D'Souza (13) combined well as the UAE scored 73 before being all out in the 16th over.

In reply, Bhutan were made to work hard for their victory by the UAE bowlers with Humaira Tasneem taking two for two, Malitha one for four and D'Souza one for seven. Ugyen Dema scored 20 as Bhutan sealed their victory in the 24th over.

The UAE will play Malaysia, Oman and Thailand in Group B before the semi-finals on October 11.

Hong Kong, Kuwait, Nepal, Qatar and Singapore are playing for a qualifying place from Group A.

* Agency