The Malaysian and United States bowling teams are the only ones still in contention for a historic double at the IBF World Cup 2025. Both their men’s and women’s teams advanced to the semi-finals on Monday at the Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong.
While they have already secured medals, both teams are determined to end their campaigns on a high note in Tuesday’s final and return home as world champions.
Malaysia’s Dominance
After her golden performance in the Women’s Singles, Natasha Roslan has continued to lead Malaysia’s charge in the team competition. The women’s team, featuring Natasha, Sin Li Jane, Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman, and Gillian Lim, dominated the qualification rounds, winning 11 out of 12 matches to secure the top seed.
In the quarter-finals, Malaysia delivered a statement performance by defeating defending champions Sweden 3-0 (221-200, 187-142, 206-224, 226-185). They now face Macau in the semi-finals, who narrowly edged out Germany 3-2 (166-155, 204-169, 147-174, 158-191, 170-161).
Speaking to BowlingLife.eu, Natasha Roslan expressed confidence in her team:
"I believe our chances are really good. We have a world-class team," she said.
On the men’s side, Malaysia’s quartet of Rafiq Ismail, Timmy Tan, Ahmad Muaz Fishol, and Tun Hakim Tun Hasnul Azam showcased their strength with a commanding 3-0 win over Denmark (242-157, 214-197, 235-226) in the round of 16. They followed it up with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Germany (184-258, 234-199, 210-190, 202-184) to secure a semi-final clash with Kuwait, who breezed past Singapore 3-0 (206-191, 192-188, 201-179).
Source: Source: Bowling Malaysia Facebook page
Team USA’s Confident March
Team USA has also secured spots in both the men’s and women’s semi-finals. The men’s team topped their group in qualification, while the women finished third.
In the round of 16, the men’s team—featuring Matt Russo, Packy Hanrahan, Chris Via, and Kris Prather—defeated Thailand 3-1 (197-208, 176-213, 212-210, 179-238). They continued their strong form in the quarter-finals, sweeping Peru 3-0 (254-188, 217-164, 258-205). Team USA is averaging an impressive 228.29 pins per game in the knockout stage, significantly ahead of Malaysia’s 217 pins per game. In the semi-finals, they will face Kuwait, who advanced by defeating Macau 3-1 and dominating Singapore 3-0.
The women’s team also impressed in the quarter-finals, defeating China 3-1 (188-170, 192-196, 237-180, 237-192).
Source: The Sport of Bowling – USBC Facebook Page
IBF World Cup 2025 Semi-Finals and Finals Await
The semi-finals and finals are set to take place tomorrow in a unique environment at the newly constructed lanes in Queen Elizabeth Stadium, Hong Kong.
Men's Team Semifinals:
United States - Puerto Rico
Kuwait - Malaysia
Women's Team Semifinals:
Malaysia - Macao
Singapore - United States
Stay tuned for more updates and detailed coverage as the IBF World Cup progresses. Score updates are posted after each squad on our Instagram and Facebook.
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