Teams vow to come back stronger next year

Shelia with UAE team © ICC

The Official Tournament Dinner of the ACC Women's Tournament was held on Monday evening at the Zon Regency Hotel in Johor Bahru, after the conclusion of the group matches.

All the squads, the members of the organising committee and representatives from the Asian Cricket Council, the Malaysian Cricket Association and Johor Cricket Council were in attendance.

The guest of honour was His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince of Johor, Tunku Ibrahim Ismail Ibni Sultan Iskandar and Her Royal Highness, The Crown Princess of Johor, Raja Zarith Sofia who came to show their support for the tournament.

Entertainment came in the form of local Malay children who performed a national dance. In addition, all the teams were invited on the stage to give a display of song or dance which was particular to their country.

The UAE team with the Crown Prince of Johor Baghu © ICC

Clearly a lot of preparation had been put into each performance which was warmly received by all the guests.

The manager from each team was awarded a gift from the Johor Cricket Council and from the Asian Cricket Council, which will act as a great token by which to remember their first international cricket tournament.

It was clear that all the players were proud to attend this event and represent their country.

For those countries in the semi-finals Hong Kong, Bangladesh, China and Nepal there is still much to play for. No longer in the tournament, the teams from UAE, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore vowed to return stronger next year after gaining valuable experience from this tournament.