PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian women’s cricket team booked their place in the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
The squad qualified after defeating Nepal by two wickets in a thrilling Asian Games qualifier semi-final at the Bayuemas Oval in Klang on Saturday (May 30).
In a tense chase, the Malaysian women held their nerve to reach 127-8 in 18.4 overs.
Nepal had earlier posted 126-6 in the women’s international T20 format.
The victory not only secured Malaysia’s qualification for the Games, but also earned them a place in the tournament final against Thailand.
Malaysia’s successful chase was anchored by Elsa Hunter, who produced a scintillating knock of 48 off just 24 balls to put the hosts firmly on course for victory.
Her aggressive innings laid the foundation for Malaysia’s dramatic win in front of home supporters at the Bayuemas Oval.
Captain Winifred Duraisingam impressed with the ball, taking two wickets for just 18 runs from four overs.
Her performance yielded an exceptional economy rate of just 4.50 runs per over.
Despite a few late hiccups, the national side showed composure under pressure to cross the finish line with eight balls to spare and keep their title hopes alive.
The Malaysian women will now face Thailand in the final at the Bayuemas Oval on Sunday (May 31).
One more victory stands between them and the qualifier crown.
However, it will be a tough ask as the Thais are an experienced side that have played in the World Cup before.
