Singapore salvage pride with six-wicket win

In a battle between the bottom teams of Group B in the ACC Women's Tournament, Singapore beat an improving UAE side by six wickets, chasing 65.

After losing a wicket in the first over after being put into bat, UAE were propped by a 29-run partnership for the fourth wicket between opener Meena Shankar (16) and Natasha Robinson (22*). A slow outfield prevented all but one boundary and Robinson's partners too struggled with their running between the wickets.

In reply, UAE had Singapore at 16 for 2 in the 10th over and Natasha Michael, the UAE captain, was the most impressive among the bowlers. GK Diviya (fresh from a seasons' training in Darwin) led the chase with 31 off 48 deliveries, and in partnership with Lorraine Meyer took Singapore home. Meyer, Singapore's captain and opening batsman, was in no hurry as she faced 85 deliveries to remain unbeaten on 10.

"It hasn't been an easy tour for the girls," Maznah Maulod, Singapore's manager said afterwards. "They've had to realise that playing and winning at this level needs some serious commitment. But they're enthusiastic and that's the main thing. They've discovered the taste of winning now. Honestly, they're going to get better."