Kaya Kumar: The rising cricket sensation that has made community proud

Kaya became the youngest girl in the world to score a century—a historic feat. Playing with U14 girls, she remained unbeaten, scoring an incredible 111 runs off just 67 balls, leaving spectators and opponents in awe of her masterful performance

Sydney, 30 June (Australia India News Bureau): At the tender age of 10, Kaya Kumar made an indelible mark in the record books with a stunning display of cricketing prowess. She set a new world record for the season, accumulating a remarkable 1,326 runs and taking 60 wickets—an unparalleled achievement. Kaya continues to astonish with her exceptional skills and unwavering commitment to the sport. From breaking records at the age of 10 to her current achievements at 11, Kaya's journey has been truly extraordinary.

Representing the esteemed Parramatta district and its affiliated clubs, this young prodigy embodies the essence of the sport.

As the captain of the Sydney West team, Kaya's leadership proved instrumental in their historic victory at the State Championship. This triumph marked the team's first-ever title since its inception. During the Grand Finals, Kaya played a pivotal role, contributing 26 runs and capturing 4 crucial wickets. She emerged as the highest wicket-taker and showcased her talent and determination.

Kaya's success extended beyond the zone level when she was selected to represent the U12 NSW state team. Additionally, she was appointed as the Vice-Captain for the National Championship held in Darwin.

Combining her impressive leadership skills with sheer talent, Kaya played a pivotal role in securing the coveted championship. Not only did she fulfil her duties as Vice-Captain, but she also emerged as the top scorer for NSW, boasting an extraordinary strike rate exceeding 130 percent. The cricketing sensation's achievements were not limited to representative cricket. She displayed her mettle in the U12 Division 1 boys' cricket, outshining her peers and claiming the top scorer title with an impressive tally of 303 runs.

Furthermore, her outstanding performance in the U14 girls' division earned her the highlycoveted Player of the Year award. With an exceptional average of 78.57 percent, she scored over 550 runs and proved herself as the leading wicket-taker with the best bowling average throughout the competition.

Recognising Kaya's outstanding achievements, Hills Barbarians club under Parramatta District Cricket Association (PDCA) honoured her with the prestigious Junior Cricketer of the Year Award for girls. This accolade serves as a testament to her unwavering commitment and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Kaya's journey was not without its share of challenges. Despite starting the season with a disappointing duck (0), the young prodigy never lost faith. Her perseverance and determination led to an astonishing turnaround, resulting in an impressive fourdigit run tally that left spectators astounded.

Among her many extraordinary accomplishments, one milestone stands out prominently. Kaya became the youngest girl in the world to score a century—a historic feat. Playing with U14 girls, she remained unbeaten, scoring an incredible 111 runs off just 67 balls, leaving spectators and opponents in awe of her masterful performance.

Beyond cricket, Kaya also established herself as the leading scorer in basketball within the state, showcasing her versatility as an athlete.

In addition to her sporting endeavours, Kaya nurtures a deep interest in music, particularly the piano and euphonium. Balancing her time between the cricket field and the melodies of these instruments, she showcases her multifaceted abilities and proves that true talent knows no boundaries.

When asked about her unwavering determination at such a young age, Kaya simply responds, "If you believe, you will achieve."