KLANG: Cricket is typically played with 11 players on the field but on Tuesday (Aug 18) at the Bayuemas Cricket Oval, Selangor had an honorary 12th man in their hearts as they secured their first Malaysia Games (Sukma) title in 13 years.
The state’s cricket association president, S. Sehar, tragically passed away at the end of last month.
Sehar was deeply involved in the youth development of the sport in the state, even designing the team’s jerseys annually, and the boys in red played with unwavering determination against Johor in the finals to honour him.
They managed to win 99 runs, scoring 211 for nine wickets while the southern state were all out for 112.
Selangor captain Mohd Ashraf Azmi, who was also part of the state’s bronze medal win at the 2024 Kuching Games, expressed that the team’s current form would not have been possible without the former president’s guidance.
“He was always there for us. He’s the backbone of the team,” said Ashraf after the game.
“Without him, a lot of us would never have reached our full potential.”
The presence of Sehar’s wife, Saras, and son, Devin made the evening all the more special.
Devin, who has embraced his father’s passion for the sport by coaching the Selangor ladies team, was deeply moved.
“It is undoubtedly emotional to be here today. Dad’s presence was keenly felt, and this gold is for him,” Devin said as his team will embark on their own medal pursuit from today.
Results
Men's T50 team
Final: Selangor (211 runs/9 wickets) bt Johor (112 all out) by 99 runs.
Bronze-medal playoff: Kelantan (197 runs/9 wickets) bt Melaka (75 all out) by 122 runs.
