Malaysia Women retain Saudari Cup

Malaysia retained the Saudari Cup with a 2-1 victory over Singapore in Kallang. Malaysia won the first two T20s to take an unassailable lead before Singapore registered a consolation win.

The 1st T20 saw Malaysia edge out Singapore by 2 wickets. The hosts batted first and made a competitive total of 107/5. After a decent start to the chase, Malaysia wobbled slightly in the middle overs but scraped across the line with an over to spare.

Malaysia with the Saudari Cup trophy

In the 2nd T20, Malaysia restricted Singapore to 99/5 with some tight bowling from Winifred Duraisingam (0/8) and Ainna Hamizah (1/13). In the chase, Yusrina Yaakop (21) and Emylia Rahim (56*) put on 58 for the first wicket. Emylia batted through the innings, guiding Malaysia to a 4 wicket victory.

Singapore again batted first in the final T20 and despite a quickfire fifty from Diviya G.K, they were bowled out for 113 with Mahirah Izzati taking 3/7, Sasha Azmi 3/25 and Winifred Duraisingam 2/11. Malaysia had another solid opening partnership of 35 but lost their way after the dismissal of in form Emylia Rahim and ended up 11 runs short.

The fairly comfortable win for this young Malaysian side shows the talent coming through. While the more experienced Emylia Rahim was the main performer, there were also vital contributions from Yusrina Yaakop and Mahirah Izzati. Definitely encouraging signs for Malaysian women’s cricket.