Scotland's U-19 Women's Cricket Team: A Story Of Perseverance, Passion & Strength

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However, one event that left a lasting impression was the Scotland Women's Under-19 Cricket Team's visit to our Putrajaya campus on 14 January 2025. More than just a sporting event, it was a powerful lesson in resilience, empowerment, and the pursuit of excellence.

This visit also marked the beginning of an exciting partnership between the team and Heriot-Watt University, reinforcing our commitment to empowering women in all fields, including sport and education, both in Malaysia and beyond.

The team's visit was especially meaningful following their historic qualification for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2025 — Scotland's first-ever entry into the global competition. Their journey exemplifies determination, teamwork, and perseverance, and meeting them offered a unique opportunity to witness empowerment in action.

The partnership between the university and the cricket team goes beyond sports; it is grounded in shared values of excellence, inclusion, and women's empowerment. These values are central to the mission of Heriot-Watt University, which, since its inception, has consistently promoted an ethos of inclusion and education for all.

This commitment is reflected in the appointment of several inspirational women leaders, including the university's former pro-chancellor Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood, the former chair of the university's Board Datuk Yasmin Mahmood, and our current pro-chancellor, the renowned Malaysian sports icon and former world number one professional squash player, Datuk Dr Nicol Ann David. Their leadership continues to shape the university’s vision of empowerment and inclusion.

Their story reminds us that success isn't confined to classrooms or playing fields — it also involves breaking societal barriers, especially for women, and overcoming obstacles to reach one's goals.

Representation is crucial for young women, especially in Malaysia. While there has been progress in promoting inclusion, more work is needed to ensure equal opportunities.

Meeting the Scotland team was inspiring as it demonstrated that women can excel in traditionally male-dominated fields. Their qualification for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup is a powerful reminder that passion, dedication, and hard work can lead to success in any discipline.

For many female students at the university, the visit was an inspiring moment, showing that success in sport, technology, and leadership is within reach. These athletes are breaking barriers, and interacting with them reaffirmed the belief that we, too, can achieve great things.

Events like these have a transformative impact on Malaysian women and girls, particularly in sport. Seeing women who have reached the top of their game inspires young Malaysians to pursue their own dreams, regardless of gender stereotypes. The visit emphasised that, with the right support, opportunities, and determination, women can succeed and lead in any field.

What stood out most about the Scotland Women's Under-19 Cricket Team was not just their on-field skill but their resilience and belief in teamwork. Their journey to the ICC Women's T20 World Cup was filled with challenges, but their focus, motivation, and unity made their success possible.

This lesson extends far beyond sport — whether in academics, careers, or personal growth, we can achieve great things when we work together and persist in the face of adversity.

The visit from the Scotland Women's Under-19 Cricket Team was more than just an opportunity to meet talented athletes — it was a lesson in resilience, perseverance, and self-belief.

As student leaders, we constantly seek ways to motivate and inspire our peers.

The team's visit reminded us that success isn't without challenges, but with resilience and commitment, we can overcome obstacles and achieve our dreams.

It also highlighted the importance of visibility and representation. When women excel in male-dominated fields, they pave the way for others. The team's stories reaffirmed that women have a place in any field — whether in sport, leadership, or business — and that our presence can bring about meaningful change.

The Scotland Women's Under-19 Cricket Team's visit was an unforgettable experience, not just because of their athletic achievements, but for the powerful message they conveyed: success is built on resilience, teamwork, and determination in the face of adversity.

Their journey to the ICC Women's T20 World Cup is a testament to perseverance and a reminder that success is always worth the effort. For me, this event reaffirmed the values Heriot-Watt University stands for: empowerment, leadership, and breaking barriers. It also demonstrated the power of sport — not just as a competition, but as a means to inspire and uplift others.

As we continue our academic and personal journeys, I hope we carry the lessons from this event with us. In a world that often asks women to prove their worth, the Scotland Women's Cricket Team has shown us that we are more than capable of rising to any challenge. Their story is one of triumph, and their visit to our campus will continue to inspire us long after the event itself.

Pearlyn Tee is a student at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia and is the president of the Heriot-Watt University Malaysia Student Association.

Heriot-Watt University is a leading technological and business university, globally minded and calibrated to the needs of society. The university is ranked in the top 10 for Research Impact in the UK.

With roots in Scotland, but with a truly international reach, Heriot- Watt has campuses in Scotland, Malaysia, and Dubai, offering students the opportunity of a truly global learning experience.

For more information on Heriot-Watt University Malaysia and its world-class programmes, visit their website.