New Delhi, Dec 11 (NationPress) Malaysia's cricket captain Deaaz Patro is not worried about the challenge of playing against cricketing giants India and Pakistan in the upcoming Men’s U19 Asia Cup, set to kick off in the UAE this Friday. His approach is straightforward: ignore distractions, concentrate on the game, and focus on each ball.

"We recognize that India and Pakistan are formidable teams in the cricketing arena. However, once we step onto the field, our emphasis is on the bowler and batsman. We aim to concentrate on one ball at a time rather than fixating on the outcome," Patro shared in an exclusive interview with IANS, facilitated by Sony Sports Network, just before Malaysia's fifth appearance in the U19 Asia Cup.

After their match against Pakistan on Friday, Malaysia will take on UAE on December 14, followed by a challenging encounter against India on December 16. This tournament is significant for both Patro and vice-captain Muhammad Aalif, offering a crucial challenge and a prime opportunity after their team secured third place in the ACC U19 Men's Premier Cup 2025, which granted them entry into the Asia Cup.

“Post our return, we had four days of training, focusing daily on preparation for this tournament. As a batsman, I concentrated on my batting skills while our bowlers enhanced their techniques. Each aspect is equally important to us," Patro explained.

Vice-captain Aalif shared a similar mindset regarding the team's ambitions for the Asia Cup. "We aim to give our best and, of course, strive for victory. Competing against these major teams will provide us with invaluable insights into their routines and mentality, which will greatly benefit us," he stated.

However, Malaysia is not merely participating; both Patro and Aalif have laid out ambitious personal goals. "Personally, I aim to reach the playoffs and accumulate around 300 to 400 runs in this tournament. This exposure is crucial for us, as facing such high-caliber teams is a rare opportunity for Malaysia,” Patro noted.

“But we will certainly put forth our utmost effort for our nation. I believe our team is well-prepared to face the challenge," Patro affirmed.

Aalif’s aspirations are equally lofty. "My personal goal is to be among the top three batsmen in this Asia Cup. The Malaysia Cricket Association has supported us since childhood, providing numerous opportunities to play cricket in Malaysia, such as in the Malaysia Premier League and with the senior men's team," he added.

Such confidence stems from the team's synergy developed over years of collaboration. "We have held psychological sessions and team bonding activities that enhanced our understanding of one another and improved our communication. Most of us have been teammates since the under-12 level and have played together since under-16. Hence, we have a strong rapport," Patro stated.

This cohesion has been further bolstered by dedicated preparation. "We’ve primarily been training at Bayuemas for a camp to gear up for the Asia Cup. The coaches and staff have provided tremendous support, motivation, and guidance as we strive to perform at a higher level of cricket," Aalif mentioned.

He elaborated on their rigorous training regimen. "Every morning, we engage in high-intensity workouts before our practice sessions, including leg workouts and quick sprints between wickets," Aalif revealed.

Patro echoed these sentiments. "The climate here is quite similar, and the heat is familiar to us. As Aalif noted, we include fitness sessions like sprinting, endurance, and agility training every morning before practice. 

Aalif’s technical preparations have also been detailed. "As a batsman, I’m focusing on tackling spinners on the pitch. I've been training extensively against spinners with both our coaches and the batting coach," he said.

Both athletes draw inspiration from cricket's top talents. Patro admires Australian opener David Warner. "Since childhood, I have enjoyed watching his aggressive batting style during powerplays and his success across all formats. He has always been my role model," the captain expressed.

Aalif, on the other hand, looks up to Indian batting legend Virat Kohli. "It’s no secret that Virat Kohli is a cricket icon. I admire his style, technique, and the intensity he brings both on and off the field," he remarked.

Their journeys symbolize the growth of cricket in Malaysia. Patro's journey began with family influence. "My father was a cricket enthusiast. At just four years old, he enrolled me in a local cricket club. By age ten, I was already playing for our state under-16 team,” he recounted.

“After the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown, I intensified my efforts, leading to my first opportunity to represent Malaysia in 2023. I continued to work hard, and now I captain both the under-16 and under-19 teams," he recalled.

Aalif's entry into cricket was serendipitous. "I had no idea what cricket was until a teacher at my primary school invited me to join the school cricket team. I accepted, and over time, I grew to love the sport. Here I am now," he shared.

Their rise coincides with a broader revival in Malaysian cricket. "The Malaysia Cricket Association is actively promoting cricket in schools and among under-12 players. Recently, we’ve seen an increase in interstate tournaments for under-16s, under-19s, and at the men's level. I believe cricket is gaining traction here," concluded Patro.

Catch the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025 live on Sony Sports Network from December 12-21 on Sony Sports Ten 1 and Ten 2 SD & HD, and it will also be available for livestreaming on Sony Liv.