SINGAPORE was able to accomplish what it came to do in Cape Town, which was beat its 2019 Netball World Cup effort of 16th. Though Singapore only beat the one team – Sri Lanka – it did so twice, including in the 15th Placed Playoff to secure that spot.

RESULTS

Group D: 4th (0-3, -116 goal difference)

lost to Zimbabwe by 42 goals (37-79)
lost to Trinidad & Tobago by 13 goals (36-49)
lost to New Zealand by 61 goals (19-80)

Group E: 3rd (1-2, -30 goal difference)

defeated Sri Lanka by 3 goals (55-52)
lost to Barbados by 5 goals (50-55)
lost to Zimbabwe by 28 goals (40-68)

15th Placed Playoff:

defeated Sri Lanka by 3 goals (49-46)

HIGHLIGHT

Clinching 15th spot with a three-goal win over Sri Lanka was evidently the highlight of the tournament, especially in the manner at which Singapore did it. After beating Sri Lanka in the group stage by three goals, Singapore found itself down by seven goals at quarter time.

Not panicking despite the deficit, Singapore gradually clawed back the margin to draw level at the final break, then secure the win with the momentum thanks to a 13-10 final term. The 49-46 victory was thanks to the likes of Angelina Lim (27 goal assists) and Amandeep Chahal (38 goals from 43 attempts), while Ting Fang Khor picked up two intercepts, two gains and three deflections.

STANDOUT PLAYER

Though Singapore had an even team performance across the board, goal keeper Jamie Lim was ultra impressive under pressure. She recorded 12 intercepts, 18 deflections and two defensive rebounds despite being often outsized by her opponent – especially against Sri Lanka – in what was a challenging role to play. All three stats were team-highs and was one of only four player to play all 60 minutes in the playoff.

OTHERS

Supporting Lim in defence was Aqilah Andin (12 deflections, nine intercepts) who provided strong resistance and crucial experience in the defensive goal circle. Up the other end, Chahal was clearly the main target under the post, shooting 152 goals. She and Kai Wei Toh (85 goals) were the only two in the shooting circle showing a lack of depth, but also a rock solid partnership. Angela Lim in wing attack provided crucial feeds into the goal circle.

SUMMARY

Singapore came into the Netball World Cup as comfortably the lowest ranked nation, but came away from Cape Town with two narrow wins and achieving its goal. While 15th might not seem like much for most, the fact the small nation could improve on its 2019 effort was a huge plus for the netballing future.