MUSCAT: Oman’s Under-19 women’s cricket team is all set to script a new chapter in the country’s cricketing history when it makes its debut in the ACC U19 Women’s Premier Cup in Malaysia, with a coveted place in the ACC U19 Women’s Asia Cup up for grabs.

Led by Nitya Joshi, the young Oman side will become the country’s first women’s Under-19 team to compete in an Asian Cricket Council (ACC) pathway tournament when it opens its campaign against the UAE at the YSD UKM Oval on July 11 before facing Bhutan at the Bayuemas Oval the following day.

The 13-team tournament, to be held from July 9 to 18, offers a direct route to the ACC U19 Women’s Asia Cup, with the four semi-finalists earning qualification.

Head coach Aamir Kaleem believes the squad is ready for the challenge after an intensive two-month training programme.

“The preparation has been good. We had a two-month training camp with the girls with a goal of playing good cricket and giving ourselves a chance to qualify for the U19 Women’s Asia Cup,” Kaleem said.

While acknowledging that it will be the first overseas pathway event for the squad, Kaleem is confident his players can embrace the occasion.

“The girls are playing such a pathway competition for the first time and away from home and their families, so adapting to the environment and getting used to the conditions will play a part. There is pressure, can’t deny that, but we carry that along and look to use it as our strength and play quality cricket.”

The squad comprises a talented crop of youngsters, with most of the players around 15 years of age, while a handful of 17-year-olds have already gained experience with the senior Oman women’s team.

“It is an opportunity for the girls to showcase their talent and knock on the door of the senior women’s team,” Kaleem added.

The coach has challenged his players to express themselves on the continental stage and make the most of the opportunity.

“It would be a target. The girls have been guided to express their character on the platform and execute their skills.

“As a group, we look forward to the challenge and thank Oman Cricket for the backing. We are hopeful of playing quality cricket in the tournament.”

The 13 participating teams are divided into four groups: Group A comprises Thailand, Japan and Myanmar; Group B features UAE, Oman and Bhutan; Group C consists of hosts Malaysia, Indonesia and Kuwait; while Group D includes Nepal, Hong Kong, Qatar and Singapore. The top two teams from each group will progress to the quarter-finals, with the four semi-finalists securing qualification for the ACC U19 Women’s Asia Cup.

Oman squad: Nitya Joshi (captain), Lujaina Syed (vice-captain), Amishi Sarkar (wicketkeeper), Areeba Mughal, Sahana Jeelany, Eshal Siddiqui, Pia Sharma, Kushi Egodagamage, Ira Yadav, Aneeka Ashik, Akithya De Silva, Blessy Jeeba, Manha Mariyam and Abeeha Farooq.

Support staff: Aamir Kaleem (coach), Damith Warusavithana (team manager) and Merita Pinto (team supervisor).