Twenty years of waiting ends

KUCHING: Sarawak’s cricket team stormed into the semi-finals of the Men’s T20 at the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) XXI Sarawak 2024 with a crushing 10-wicket victory over Federal Territory today (Aug 17).

The dominant display at the Cricket and Rugby Field in Petra Jaya had catapulted the home team into strong contention for the championship.

Sarawak amassed 112-8 in their 20 overs before dismissing their opponents for a paltry 35 in 10.1 overs, sealing a commanding 77-run triumph.

The win not only secures a semi-final berth but also brings Sarawak tantalisingly close to ending a 20-year medal drought in the sport.

The team’s impressive performances throughout the tournament have ignited hopes of a historic gold medal on home soil.

Head coach Chew Pok Cheong was delighted with his team’s performance, praising their discipline and execution.

“The boys were outstanding today. Our initial target was to reach 50 runs, but they surpassed expectations and delivered a performance worthy of this stage,” he said.

The team in a group photo after the match

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s semi-final, Chew wants his players to stay focused.

“We are prepared to face any opponent. Our focus is on maintaining our momentum and executing our strategies effectively,” he added.

Captain Mohammad Hariz Afnan Sulhie, 18, shared his coach’s optimism.

“Our victory today is a testament to the hard work and dedication of every player. We are now focused on the semi-final, and I believe we have what it takes to go all the way,” he said.

The win over Federal Territory has given Sarawak a significant boost as they prepare to face tougher opposition in the knockout stages.

The team had previously defeated Melaka by seven wickets and shared the points with Kelantan due to rain.