PETALING JAYA: National women cricketers led by Mas Elysa Yasmin Zulkifli have proved their first-time qualification for the Asia Cup was no fluke.

And Elysa is now looking forward to making her second appearance.

Elysa helped the women’s team reach the final of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Women’s Premier Cup which guaranteed the team a spot in the Asia Cup in July for the second time after defeating Nepal with 116 runs to 114 in the last four at the Bayuemas Oval in Klang on Saturday.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) beat Malaysia by 37 runs in the final but it was still a good achievement for the home team.

Elysa, who is also the team vice-captain was thrilled to make it to the Asia Cup once again.

“It was a tough match against Nepal but thankfully we made it through,” said Elysa.

“Before that we had to beat Indonesia, Qatar and Bahrain in the group stages. We also beat Japan in the quarter-finals.

“I’m really happy as this is the second time we have reached the Asia Cup.”

Malaysia, who are ranked No. 25 in the world will face a tough challenge in the Asia Cup against the likes of cricket powerhouses India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and UAE but Mas Elysa is looking forward to the challenge.