Sarawak cricket trio set for T20 World Cup qualifier

KUCHING (March 9): Sarawak cricket has received a major boost with three of its promising young talents selected to represent Malaysia in the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Regional Qualifier in Hong Kong from April 20 to 29.

The Malaysian Cricket Association recently announced the national squad which includes Aina Umaira Amin, Nur Qaireen Syakira Abedul Samad and Annisa Fateehah Yasri (reserve) among the players chosen.

Fifteen-year-old Aina stands out as the youngest member of the Malaysian squad, marking a milestone in her budding cricket career.

Currently a student at SMK Singai which is one of Sarawak’s recognised Cricket Development Centres, Aina has already demonstrated remarkable composure and ability on the field despite her young age.

She recently delivered an outstanding performance while representing Sarawak, scoring 32 runs off 36 balls and taking one wicket for eight runs in four overs, earning the Player of the Match award.

Joining her in the national U19 squad is 16-year-old Qaireen, who is currently studying at Bukit Jalil Sports School, Malaysia’s premier institution for elite young athletes.

Qaireen has built her reputation through consistent performances in youth tournaments and national development programmes. Her exposure to high-performance training at the sports school is expected to further strengthen her development.

Sarawak Cricket Association (SCA) vice-president Victor Graman described the selection of the trio as another milestone for cricket development in the state.

“We are extremely proud to see three young Sarawak talents, including one reserve player, earning the opportunity to represent Malaysia at the Under-19 level.

“This achievement reflects the dedication of the players as well as the collective efforts of coaches, schools, parents and our development partners who have supported the growth of cricket in Sarawak,” he said.

Victor believes the milestone demonstrates that its grassroots programmes and youth development pathways are progressing in the right direction.

“We hope this accomplishment will inspire more young Sarawakians, especially girls, to take up the sport and pursue their dreams in cricket,” he added.

This is not the first time that Sarawak female players have been selected to join the national team. In 2024, Nur Dania Syuhada Abedul Samad donn national colours and captained the national women’s squad in the Asia Cup. Prior to that, she was capped for 29 times for Malaysia in T20i format competitions.