Two young cricketers from the City of Gosnells area are preparing to represent Western Australia after being selected in the School Sport WA Under 15 Girls Cricket Team.
Kina Patel, a Year 9 student who lives in Southern River and attends Harrisdale Senior High School, and Amani Sharma from Beckenham have both earned places in the state squad competing at the School Sport Australia Cricket Championships in Bunbury from February 21 to 27.
Kina said the selection is a reward for years of commitment to the sport.
“Being selected to represent WA for under 15s School Sports Girls team means a lot to me,” she said. “It feels like all the hard work, training sessions, and time I have invested are paying off.”
The 14-year-old began playing cricket in Year 4 at Gosnells Junior Cricket Club and now competes in WA Premier Cricket with Perth District Cricket Club in the Under-17 girls’ competition. An all-rounder, she enjoys batting in the top order and contributing spin bowling when needed.
One of her proudest moments came in 2022 when she represented WA at the Under-12 Girls National Championships in Ballarat and scored her first half century.
Her family has played a key role along the way.
Kina said her father’s support, from driving her to training to cheering from the sidelines, has helped her grow in confidence and continue improving.
Her parent described the state selection as a proud moment for the family.
“Seeing her name on the squad list reflected her dedication, hard work, and passion for cricket,” they said. “Representing WA is a significant achievement, but knowing she also carries the support of our local community makes it even more meaningful.”
Also selected is Beckenham resident Amani Sharma, a Year 10 student who attends Kent Street Senior High School.
Amani has been playing cricket for nearly eight years and usually opens the bowling while batting in the top order. She said representing Western Australia is both exciting and motivating.
“Being selected to represent Western Australia means a lot to me and makes me incredibly proud,” she said. “It reflects the hard work I’ve put in over the years and motivates me to keep pushing myself.”
Her cricket journey has already included several highlights, including captaining an Under-15 state team, scoring 104 not out in community cricket, and selection in the WACA Pace Bowling Youth Program.
She is looking forward to leading the side at the championships and testing herself against strong opposition from across the country.
Amani’s parent, Amit Sharma, said the achievement recognised years of persistence.
“Her journey hasn’t been easy and has come with many challenges, but she has shown resilience, determination, and a strong desire to keep improving,” they said.
Both players will join teammates from across Western Australia as they compete against the nation’s best young cricketers in Bunbury, proudly representing their state as well as their local communities in Southern River and Beckenham.
