Rising young talent Hiranmayee Roy dreams of playing Women’s Big Bash League

KATHMANDU : Every Nepali player has a dream since they start their sports career, to represent their country by wearing the national team jersey. Some are successful in fulfilling their dreams, while for others, their dreams remain just dreams.

Those who can fulfill their dreams are often regarded as ‘lucky’. However, luck alone does not lead anyone to such a position. Hard work and perseverance are equally essential.

At just 15 years old, Hiranmayee Roy from Jhapa made her debut in the senior national women’s cricket team within two years of starting her cricket career. Her performance in the national team jersey has received praise.

In a short span of time, Roy made her debut in senior international women’s cricket team against Uganda in a Women’s T20 International series organized at the home ground. Her debut match and performance was remarkable.

In the first-ever series organized at the home ground, the Nepali women’s team faced three consecutive defeats but managed to gain confidence by winning the fourth game, thanks to Roy’s outstanding performance. She made her debut in that game and was named Player of the Match.

During the 13th over of the match, she was sent to bowl. In her first over, she took the wicket of Uganda’s top scorer, Janet Mbabazi, leaving the opponents astounded. In her third over, she dismissed Uganda’s captain, taking two wickets in her debut match. Roy conceded only 11 runs in three overs.

Similarly, she took one wicket in the fifth and final match of the series. Roy conceded 17 runs in 4 overs in that match.

Despite making her debut in the series, Roy is yet to fulfill her dream. Her dream extends beyond just the series; she aspires to play in various international franchise leagues like the Australian Women’s Big Bash League.

“I have worked hard. I had never thought of making it to the national team this fast, but now I want to play in leagues like the Big Bash and other international franchise tournaments, showcasing my skills even more,” Rai expressed in a post-match press conference.

Rai learned cricket from her mentor, former international cricketer Lakpa Lama, at the Jhapa’s Patriotic Cricket Academy. She appreciates the joy of playing alongside experienced senior players.

“I felt proud when I took my first wicket. It was a moment of pride for me. It has been a lot of fun playing with senior players,” she said.

Rai has also been included in the final 18-member squad from Nepal for the upcoming U-19 World Cup qualifiers to be held in South Africa in 2023. Her dedication to cricket is so strong that she has even taken a break from her studies to participate in the U-19 camp, where she has been relentlessly practicing.

“I am studying. I was supposed to take the SEE (Secondary Education Examination) now, but because of the U-19 closed camp training, I had to leave my studies. Currently, my focus is on cricket, but I will not give up on my studies. I plan to take the exam next year,” Rai added.

Rai began her national home cricket journey by representing Province 1 in the Lalitpur Women’s T20 Cricket Tournament held at TU Cricket Ground last Falgun (Nepali month).

Similarly, she also performed well in the U-19 National Women’s Cricket Tournament held in Dhangadhi from 6th of Chaitra last year.Her impressive performance in that tournament earned her a spot in the closed camp.