Kota Kinabalu: Suabika A/P Maniavannan became the first Sabahan woman cricketer to represent Malaysia after being named in the national squad to play in the ICC Under-19 Women CWC Asia Qualifier scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur from June 1-12.
The 14-year-old SMK Desa Kencana, Lahad Datu student who hails from Kampung Sinakut, Tungku in Lahad Datu is currently with the national team on a 14-day training stint starting on Monday in preparation for the tournament.
The left-handed batswoman and a left arm medium pace bowler was groomed by her teacher Rasidin Saipuddin only late last year.
She was later spotted by Sabah Cricket Head Coach Peter Budin during the TID (Talent Identification Development) programme conducted in the district early this year, and was subsequently recommended to join the phase one training camp in Kuala Lumpur along with Nur Syairah Ariss and Dayang Nur Husnah Datu Abdul Hamid in March.
All three came through to the second phase training camp but only Suabika made the final cut.
Meanwhile, Sabah Cricket Association Secretary Hatta Patombongi said they may send a women’s team to compete in the national championship later this year,
“With the success of Suabika into the national women’s team and two other girls also knocking on the door, we intend to participate in the national women’s championships sometime in September this year, “ he said on Monday.
