The 2nd T20I between Singapore Women vs. Philippines Women, held on December 24, 2024, at the Singapore National Cricket Ground, proved to be an exhilarating contest that showcased the growing competitive spirit of women’s cricket in Southeast Asia. Singapore Women clinched the match with a narrow 8-run victory, thanks to a combination of solid batting, sharp fielding, and disciplined bowling.
Match Summary:
- Date: December 24, 2024
- Venue: Singapore
- Match: 2nd T20I
- Teams: Singapore Women vs. Philippines Women
- Singapore Women: 126/5 in 20 overs
- Philippines Women: 118/7 in 20 overs
- Result: Singapore Women won by 8 runs
Singapore Women’s Innings: A Steady Start with Key Partnerships
Winning the toss, the Philippines Women opted to bowl first, looking to exploit the early movement on a slightly damp pitch. Singapore Women faced early jitters as Karri Gullem Keen bowled a fiery opening spell, removing both openers, Anushka Tomar and Rachel Gnanaraj, cheaply. By the third over, Singapore was reeling at 13/2.
This brought Vinu Kumar and captain Shafina Mahesh together at the crease, and the pair exhibited remarkable resilience. They built a crucial 93-run partnership, steering the innings back on track. Kumar, known for her calm demeanor under pressure, played the anchor role to perfection, scoring 53 runs off 64 balls with one boundary. On the other hand, Mahesh adopted a more aggressive approach, contributing a quickfire 35 off 34 deliveries.
The partnership was finally broken in the 16th over by Keen, who trapped Mahesh leg-before-wicket. Despite the loss, the groundwork was laid for a competitive total. Singapore eventually finished their innings at 126/5, with valuable cameos towards the end. Keen ended with impressive figures of 3/24, while Katie Donovan provided excellent support with a miserly spell of 1/10 in her three overs.
Philippines Women’s Innings: A Chase that Fell Just Short
Chasing 127 for victory, the Philippines Women began cautiously, with openers Alex Smith and Amelia Valdez looking to see off the new ball. However, Singapore’s Ella Ungerman had other plans. She struck in her first over, dismissing Valdez for just 6 runs. Her bowling spell was a masterclass in precision and guile, as she ripped through the top order with ease.
The shining light for the Philippines was Alex Smith, who played a brilliant lone hand, scoring 64 runs off 52 balls. Her innings included five crisp boundaries, and she kept the chase alive with her smart placement and quick running between the wickets. Smith’s resilience was evident as she fought valiantly against a disciplined Singapore attack.
Despite Smith’s heroics, the lack of substantial contributions from the middle order proved to be the Philippines’ undoing. Captain Katie Donovan chipped in with 20 runs off 26 balls, but her dismissal in the 16th over, once again to Ungerman, tilted the balance in favor of Singapore.
Ungerman finished her spell with remarkable figures of 4/11 in four overs, earning her the Player of the Match award. Roshni Seth also played a crucial role, picking up 2 wickets for 19 runs. The Philippines could only manage 118/7 at the end of their 20 overs, falling agonizingly short of the target.
Key Turning Points of the Match
- Karri Gullem Keen’s Fiery Start: Her early strikes put Singapore under immense pressure and highlighted her skill as a frontline bowler.
- The Kumar-Mahesh Partnership: This pivotal stand between Singapore’s two most experienced players not only stabilized the innings but also set a defendable target.
- Ella Ungerman’s Bowling Masterclass: Her ability to pick up wickets at crucial intervals completely disrupted the Philippines’ chase.
- Alex Smith’s Lone Battle: Smith’s valiant half-century was a testament to her skill and determination, keeping her team in contention till the final overs.
A Series to Watch
This victory gave Singapore Women a 2-0 lead in the series, underlining their growing dominance on the regional stage. The match also highlighted the Philippines Women’s potential, especially with players like Alex Smith and Karri Gullem Keen stepping up on the big stage.
The series promises more thrilling action, with both teams looking to improve and build momentum for upcoming tournaments. Singapore will aim to secure a clean sweep, while the Philippines will be eager to bounce back and make a strong statement in the next game.
Women’s cricket in Southeast Asia is undoubtedly on the rise, and matches like these provide a glimpse into the bright future of the sport in the region.
Conclusion
The 2nd T20I between Singapore Women and Philippines Women was a testament to the growing competitiveness of women’s cricket in Southeast Asia. Singapore showcased their all-round strength, with a resilient batting performance led by Vinu Kumar and Shafina Mahesh, followed by a clinical bowling display spearheaded by Ella Ungerman. On the other hand, the Philippines put up a spirited fight, with standout performances from Alex Smith and Karri Gullem Keen.
Ultimately, Singapore’s ability to execute key moments better proved decisive, as they secured an 8-run victory to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. For fans and players alike, this match demonstrated the skill, passion, and promise of women’s cricket in the region, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating the next contest.
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