First Malaysian To Score 1,000 Runs In T20I

Virandeep Singh emerged as the most successful cricketer at a young age, becoming the first Malaysian to score 1,000 runs in Twenty20 International (T20I) format while also excelling in his studies

Virandeep Singh, an International Business Management student, made headlines recently when Malaysia defeated the Maldives by 94 runs in the Malaysia T20I Quadrangular Series 2022 held at UKM Cricket Oval, Bangi, Selangor.

During the matches, he demonstrated his deadly right-handed bat skills and becoming the first Malaysian to score 1,000 runs in the Twenty20 International (T20I) format.

The 23-year-old, who made his T20I debut against Thailand in the 2019 Malaysia Tri-Nation Series, reached the milestone after hitting six fours and four sixes for 72 runs to help Malaysia reach 230/4, while the Maldives only managed 136/6.

Virandeep, Malaysia National Cricket Team's Vice-Captain and top order batsman for Team Malaysia, now holds the record total of 1,034 runs in 38 T20Is for Malaysia and was also named Player of the Match.

“It is an amazing feeling, always a good feeling to achieve this milestone. I wanted to do well for the country.

“I did not play for records or fame, but when these kinds of things fall in place, I feel like all the hard work is paying off.

“Now I need to ensure that I carry on this form and, most importantly, work harder to win more matches for Malaysia,” he said.
 


He is also the youngest T20 International Captain at the age of 20 years and 190 days, the youngest player to ever represent Team Malaysia at the age of 15 years and 308 days, and the Malaysian Cricket Association's Player of the Year for three consecutive years (2017, 2018 & 2019).

In fact, he is a Gold and Silver medallists for Sea Games 2017, as well as the Singapore Premier League's Best All Rounder twice in 2018 and 2019.

As the first Malaysian cricketer to play in an international franchise league for Chitwan Tigers in Nepal's Everest Premier League 2021, he is now the first Malaysian batsman to reach 1,000 T20 international runs, and his bizarre record of picking up six wickets in six balls becomes one of the strangest overs delivered in T20 history, including a hattrick.

Right balance between academics and extracurricular activities

Finding the right balance between academic studies and extracurricular activities can be more difficult than it sounds, but most university students recognise that true education goes beyond what academics share in lectures or classes, books, notes, and research papers. 

“Aside from cricket, my enrolment as an International Business Undergraduate at Asia Pacific University has sharpened my soft skills and team-working abilities,” said Virandeep, who is also the Captain of the APU Cricket Team.

Participating in a sports club allows him to hone his leadership, communication, and time management skills while also enjoying and making the most of his university experience.

His academic achievements are just as impressive as his athletic achievements. He began his studies at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) with the Foundation in Business programme, and he is now in his final year of studies in the field of International Business Management.

Virandeep also represents Malaysia in the 50-over format 2022 Canada Cricket World Cup Challenge League from 27 July to 6 August 2022, a qualification pathway for the 2023 World Cup in India.