Champions Malaysia

The victorious squad

Virandeep batted like a champion

Malaysia is Asian champions, in cricket.

The national cricket team bagged the Asian Cricket Council's U-16 Elite Cup for the first time on our very own back yard.

Nepal won the toss and elected to bat scoring 117 runs in 33 overs. Akash Bista scored 35 runs and was well supported by Dipendra Chand who made 21 runs.

Malaysia opened their bowling with left-arm spinner Pavandeep Singh, who took 2 wickets for 32 runs in his 8 overs spell.

He was ably supported by Sharvin Muniandy who took 2 wickets for 29 runs in 8 overs, Shankar Goonasagaran's took 3 wickets for 27 runs in his 8 overs and Shankar Sathish took 2 wickets for 20 runs in his 8 overs respectively.

Chasing Nepal's total, Malaysia lost their 1st wicket with 4 runs on the board. Virandeep Singh and Vinay Singh (22 runs) had a fantastic partnership of 47 runs. Young Virandeep Singh's 55 not out, batting from the first ball to the last and hitting the winning runs secured victory for Malaysia.

The small and bespectacled Victoria Institution student batted like a champion and saw Malaysia through to an epic win.

“It was a good game and the team did well to keep our composure. We are happy with the win but now it is about keeping the momentum going,” said Malaysian team captain D. Thejas Rajah.

Tournament Director Venu Ramadass believed the tourney saw a good week of cricket.

"It was a good tournament overall with all the teams playing top cricket at this level. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the teams and officials and all those who have made this event a success,” said Ramadass, adding that the host nation emerging as champions as the icing on the cake.