Malaysian cricketer Mas Elysa steals show with three T20 world records

Emerging star Mas Elysa Yasmin Zulkifli has put Malaysian cricket in the world

SEPANG: Youngster Mas Elysa Yasmin Zulkifli surprised even herself by breaking three world records in Twenty20 cricket. 

She claimed six wickets for three runs in Malaysia’s win over China in the Thailand’s women’s T20 Smash tournament on Wednesday and now proves to be one of the best bowling figures in T20 cricket. 

Mas Elysa from Chemor, Perak, said she did not see it coming. 

“I was entrusted with the job to curtail our opponents runs, but I did not expect such figures,” said Mas Elysa. 

“I’m proud to put Malaysian cricket in the world’s map. The T20 smash tournament has been a great experience, and it also showcased our ability in cricket.

The spinner began her record-breaking spell by taking out opener Zhang Chan for 11 before returning to dismiss Li Haoyue for one.

She then got out Lyu Ping and Zhang Huiyue with consecutive deliveries before repeating the feat by bowling out Wang Luowanyu and Zhang Xiangxue in the final over.

It was an upset for China, because the country, ranked 25th in women’s T20 cricket, were bundled out for 39 runs in 18.4 overs. 

Malaysia, ranked 31, reached 40 runs for four wickets in 12.3 overs to defeat China.

Mas Elysa’s achievement surpassed previous overall best bowling figures in any T20 match and all T20 International matches. That performance also saw her setting the new women’s T20 international record.

Her figures smashed the record of Sri Lankan pace bowler Ajantha Mendis, who took six wickets for eight runs against Zimbabwe in a men’s T20 International in 2012.

Mas Elysa also bettered the women’s figures of six wickets for eight runs set by Botswana’s Botsogo Mpedi against Lesotho in August 2018.

The icing on the cake was for Mas Elysa to beat the world record in any T20 match from fellow Malaysia-born bowler Arul Suppiah, who is also a spin bowler.

He bagged six wickets for five runs for English county Somerset against Glamorgan, in a record that has stood since 2011.

Malaysia Cricket Association (MCA) president Mahinda Vallipuram said it was good to see another Malaysian breaking a record and it augurs well for the development of the game in Malaysia.

“Mas Elysa is a dedicated and committed cricketer. Her parents are extremely supportive, and I’m very happy for them,” he said.

MCA have confirmed that the International Cricket Council (ICC) have recognised the record.