The Malaysian Cricket Association has officially unveiled its women’s squad for the upcoming Rising Stars’ Asia Cup 2026 in Bangkok, presenting a roster that perfectly captures the gritty, veteran-led identity of Malaysian cricket. At the helm is the powerhouse Mas Elysa, leading a group that has consistently been the face of the sport in Southeast Asia. This team isn’t just looking to fill a slot; they are a battle-hardened unit that has spent years challenging the status quo in the Associate world. With the inclusion of seasoned campaigners like Winifred Duraisingam and the dependable Wan Julia, Malaysia arrives in Thailand with a backbone of experience that few teams in this competition can match.
Looking at the squad’s trajectory, there is a clear focus on turning regional consistency into a major breakthrough. Malaysia has long been a dominant force in Southeast Asian competitions, but the Rising Stars Asia Cup offers them the ultimate platform to test their progress against the “A” sides of Asia’s heavyweights. Returning to Bangkok adds a layer of comfort to the challenge—this is a city where Malaysia has frequently played, and they will be looking to leverage that familiarity to bridge the gap between their Associate standing and the elite developmental programs they are set to face.
The batting core is anchored by two of the most prolific scorers in the nation’s history: Mas Elysa and Winifred Duraisingam. Their presence at the top and in the middle order provides a sense of security that is vital for a team looking to set competitive totals on the abrasive, slow surfaces expected in Thailand. Supported by the wicket-keeping resilience of Wan Julia and the all-round capabilities of Ainna Hamizah Hashim, the lineup is built for adaptability, capable of either grinding out tough runs or accelerating when the situation demands.
In the bowling department, Malaysia’s strategy revolves around surgical precision and tactical variety. Mahirah Izzati Ismail remains the leader of the pack, her off-spin often serving as the primary weapon in the middle overs. The attack is designed to bowl dry—building pressure through dots and forcing errors rather than relying on sheer pace. With Ainna Hamizah Hashim providing the medium-pace breakthroughs and the young spin talent of Nur Dania Syuhada adding depth, the bowling unit is well-equipped to dismantle even the most established batting orders in the tournament.
The team’s recent form highlights their fighting spirit and competitive edge. Over their last five encounters, Malaysia has proven they can hold their nerve in tight finishes, including a dramatic victory over Indonesia in the SEA Games. While a tough loss to Thailand in the final served as a learning curve, their clinical dismantling of Myanmar—where they posted a dominant 154/4—showed exactly what this squad is capable of when they click. Despite a few narrow setbacks in the recent Bhutan Tri-Series, the team’s ability to remain competitive until the final ball of every match demonstrates a mental toughness that will be crucial in Bangkok.
The statistical profile of this squad is a testament to their longevity and dominance in the region. Mas Elysa leads the charge as Malaysia’s all-time top scorer with 1,393 runs, and her impact is further highlighted by her record 10 Player of the Match awards. She is closely shadowed by Winifred Duraisingam, who has amassed 1,351 runs and holds the record for the highest individual score for the nation with a gritty 73. Wicket-keeper Wan Julia rounds out the top three with 897 runs, providing the consistent anchoring presence the team relies upon.
On the bowling front, the records are just as impressive. Mahirah Izzati Ismail stands alone as the most prolific wicket-taker with 62 wickets at a stunning average of 14.96. She is supported by the all-round excellence of Winifred Duraisingam, who has claimed 56 wickets, and Ainna Hamizah Hashim, who sits on 55 wickets. Hashim’s career is famously highlighted by her incredible spell of 5/4 against Myanmar, a performance that remains one of the best in Malaysian history.
Squad:
Elsa Hunter, Mas Elysa (C), Nazatul Hidayah Husna, Ainna Hashim, Amalin Sorfina, Mahirah Izzati, Nur Izzatul Syafiqa, Suabika, Aina Najwa, Wan Julia, Aisya Eleesa, Marsya, Nazwah, Nur Dania Syuhada, Irdina Beh, Arianna Natasya
Schedule:
- 14th February 2026 – Malaysia Women vs Thailand Women
- 16th February 2026 – Malaysia Women vs Sri Lanka A
- 18th February 2026 – Malaysia Women vs Bangladesh A
As this squad steps onto the field in Bangkok, they carry the momentum of a program that has become a symbol of consistency. With Mas Elysa’s aggressive leadership and a bowling attack that defines precision, Malaysia is poised to turn years of regional discipline into major tournament success. The stage is set for a historic run in the Rising Stars Asia Cup, where these women will aim to prove that Malaysia truly belongs among the elite of Asian cricket.
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