From Madurai to Mumbai Indians via KL: Kamalini story

ON Sunday, at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur, G Kamalini was having the time of her life behind the stumps.

- KALYANI MANGALE

There were rhythmic clapping for bowlers, loud and clear shouts for fielders when Pakistani batters were trying to steal a few runs.

She wanted India fielders to throw her the ball. And if that wasn't enough it looked like she was the celebration in-charge of the team, feeding off the energy of a group of Indian supporters at the ground. In the second innings, with bat in her hand, she was unstoppable. There were cuts, drives, and even a powerful six for which a fielder at long on was just a spectator.

The sixteen-year-old even finished the match with a huge six while grinning from ear to ear. For any cricketer, this would have been a great day in cricket. Especially for a teenager who had worn her national colours (U19) for the first time. But the fun didn't stop for the Madurai cricketer there.