The Philippine national women's cricket team ahead of the 2025 Southeast Asian Games. POC Media
BANGKOK – The Philippine national women's cricket team is relying on existing familiarity between its players in its 33rd Southeast Asian Games campaign.
The squad arrived in Bangkok, Thailand, on Sunday, ahead of its first match and the opening ceremony.
In an interview with Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) Media, head coach Derek Budd said the team has a good mix of young players who seek to follow up on the 2023 SEA Games success.
"We've got really big shoes to fill from the last SEA Games. Like I said, two silvers. So we're going to really try and do our best to [win a] medal. The competition this year is very, very strong. So we have to just respect everyone," he said.
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The team is composed of players from the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Australia, all of whom have been busy with their respective seasons.
"So we've been lucky this year where we have toured. This will be our fifth tour in 12 months. So the group of girls, they know each other well now. We have some new ones coming for Sea Games. But everyone is familiar with their games now," Budd said.
"So everyone is playing regularly now. So everyone should be ready. The fitness has been good. So the preparation has all been there. It's now we just have to go out and deliver. We're all very excited to get the first game under our belt," he added.
When asked who they are keeping their eyes on, Budd said their toughest competition would be host country Thailand and Indonesia.
"If we bring our A-game, I think then we've got a very good chance of meddling. But with Thailand, the hosts, the strongest nation, I think to get past them is going to be a real challenge. And Indonesia, again, very strong," he explained.
"We played them earlier this year, a very, very good team. So they're going to be the names to look out for. But like I said, if all the girls perform and do their very best, then we've got a very good chance," Budd shared.
The Philippines will open its campaign in T10 against Myanmar on Tuesday.