Aleena Syed - Penrith Cricket Club
Penrith Cricket Club | May 25, 2026
Aleena Syed is an aggressive opening batter and leg spin bowler for Penrith Cricket Club.
What year were you born?
I was born in 2010.
Tell us about your cricket journey.
In my younger years, life was entirely focused on the tennis court. I actually used to dislike cricket quite a bit and would feel frustrated whenever my family gathered to watch a match. However, everything shifted during a casual park game in late 2023. I managed to smash the very first delivery from a family friend, finally embracing the sport my parents had been encouraging me to try for years. In hindsight, transitioning from tennis was truly one of my finest choices.
My path into competitive play began with Fairfield-Liverpool in the Margaret Peden Shield, where I competed across the 2024 and 2025 seasons. This initial phase allowed me to build a strong base and identify my strengths as a batter and bowler. I truly believe that playing club matches against boys at Hoxton Park was vital; facing that extra speed forced me to develop a fearless approach where you can’t afford to hesitate. By 2025, I joined Penrith Cricket Club to compete in Brewer Shield, a challenge that significantly elevated my performance.
The 2025/26 season served as a pivotal moment in my development. It was an exceptionally fulfilling year where I balanced a dual role at Penrith, contributing to a fantastic finals run in Brewer Shield while also making my debut in Second Grade. Furthermore, I had the brilliant chance to represent Wyong Cricket Club in their Women’s First Grade side. That season was truly unforgettable, especially as we fought our way to securing the championship title!
It has been a remarkable journey, evolving from a dedicated tennis player in early 2024 to competing in senior grades for Penrith and celebrating a First Grade premiership with Wyong in 2026. I am incredibly eager to see what the future holds for me in this game!
If you can share with our readers how you would describe yourself as a cricketer?
I’d hundred percent describe myself as an allrounder, specifically an aggressive opening batter and a leg-spinner. I love the extra pace on the ball at the top of the order, taking each ball as a challenge and setting a fast-scoring tempo for the team from the start. This doesn't mean hitting the first ball of every innings for six, even though I have done that once.
What do you enjoy most about playing cricket?
For me, nothing beats the sheer adrenaline of the match; I’d honestly liken it to the exhilarating thrill of a roller coaster ride. Transitioning from the individual duels of the tennis court, I absolutely love the high-intensity combat that unfolds between bowler and batter. The incredible team spirit is another element I truly adore. There is a certain bliss in being surrounded by your teammates, whether you are receiving a celebratory fist bump after a sweetly timed drive or getting a supportive pick-me-up following a play and miss. My teammates serve as a constant source of inspiration, always driving me to perform at my absolute best.
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket so far?
Without a doubt, it was scoring 63 not out against the Southern Swans in our must-win clash to seal a spot in the Brewer Shield semi-finals.
As an aggressive opener, my natural instinct is always to go out there, play my shots, and take the attack to the bowlers right from ball one. But for this match, the stakes were incredibly high. I knew the team needed me to anchor the entire innings if we were going to secure that finals spot.
Who’s your favourite all-time cricketer?
Although there's a lot to choose from, my all-time favourite is definitely Mahendra Singh Dhoni. What I admire most about M.S. Dhoni is his legendary calmness under pressure and his incredible tactical mind. As an opening batter who loves to attack, other than borrowing some of his shots, I also like to integrate his calm and cool mindset into my games. Watching him a lot growing up, especially the movie about his career, helped me read the game and absorb pressure. I always look up to his calmness and composure.
Who is the fastest bowler you’ve played against?
The fastest bowling I’ve faced in girls' cricket is definitely Era Bhoir, who plays for Blacktown. Even though we are great mates and go to the same school, she is a fierce competitor on the field and bowls seriously fast. I actually got to face her recently and decided to take the attack right to her. I managed to smash the first couple of balls she bowled to me for a six and a four! It’s always a brilliant, fun battle when we go head-to-head.
Who is the best spinner you’ve played against?
To be honest, because I'm an opening batter, I usually face the quicks and don't get to come across too much spin when I'm out in the middle during competition matches. Honestly as a opening batter I dont come across much spin during competitive games, which might make me a bit biased, but the best spinner I've faced so far is Aarna Parwal. Facing her in the nets is always a challenge I’m up for. Her control makes you work hard for your runs.
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
The most impressive performance I have witnessed in person was Manorath Gill’s half-century against Blacktown. What made it truly stand out wasn’t simply the power behind her shots, but her ability to deliver under the intense pressure of a Grand Final. After our side lost several quick wickets, she stepped up to anchor the innings, playing with remarkable composure. Her knock was the primary reason we fought our way back and came so close to securing the victory.
Who is the best wicket keeper you’ve had the good fortune to play with?
That would definitely be Lucy Mellis. She was my teammate at Penrith last year, and she is incredibly sharp behind the stumps. What made playing with Lucy even more special was that we were both part of the Australian International Women’s Cricket Academy (AIWCA) tour team that traveled to the Bali Bash tournament. It was an amazing experience going overseas together, playing against different international teams, and testing our skills on a global stage. As a leg-spinner, having a top-tier keeper like Lucy behind the stumps gives you so much confidence. You know that if you beat the batter in the air or off the pitch, she is going to clean up the bails or take the catch instantly. She’s definitely the best keeper I’ve shared a field with.
Is there a player in your club you think is one to watch – someone who might go far?
Annabel Batty. She is an incredibly talented cricketer with a fantastic work ethic. Whether she is making a major impact behind the stumps or turning a game with the bat, she has a massive future ahead of her. She is definitely one to watch as she continues to climb through the Pathway ranks!
Who are the two players you’ve come to admire most in your club in terms of skills and competitive spirit?
While there’s an abundance of talent at Penrith that I truly look up to, I’ve come to admire Bethany Lane and Elise Noble most for their exceptional skill sets and competitive spirit. As a fellow leg-spinner, having Bethany to turn to is such a massive advantage; she is always there to help me refine my craft whenever I have questions about my leggies. I also find so much value in watching Beth and Elise bat and absorbing their techniques. I actually remember Elise teaching me the reverse sweep, and it’s been a staple in my game ever since. They are both fierce competitors who never shy away from a challenge, and they perfectly embody the pride and grit required to wear the Penrith badge.
What are the two attributes you like to see in a captain and leader?
When it comes to leadership on the field, the two qualities I value most are genuine encouragement and crystal-clear communication. It is one thing to offer a few supportive remarks, but the truly impactful captains are those who provide constant positive reinforcement through every high and low, keeping the squad’s morale high and focus sharp. I’ve participated in matches where I’ve felt completely lost on the field simply because a plan hadn't been shared, which is exactly why effective communication is so vital. A top-tier leader understands how to unlock the potential in every teammate, ensuring we are all operating as one synchronized, cohesive unit.
Which singer/band would you like to see perform live?
The Weeknd. I don't remember a time in my life where I haven't gone back and listened to The Weeknd. He's just such a versatile artist even if I dont listen to a lot of R & B. I would love to go to his After Hours Til Dawn tour set.
Favourite location, city or country as a holiday destination?
While I have a deep appreciation for the natural world, Dubai, UAE stands as my ultimate dream destination. There is something truly captivating about the soaring skyscrapers and the sheer brilliance of the city’s architecture. The vibrant, flashing lights and that pulse of modern energy create an atmosphere that feels incredibly inviting and unforgettable.
Who’s been the biggest influence on your career so far?
First and most importantly is my dad, who has been the biggest supporter throughout my journey. His passion for the game has completely rubbed off on me. He always drives me to the correct path. He's taught me to be strong and resilient. It could grabbing a bite after a hard training session or congratulating me after a good performance. He's always there for me
Alongside my dad, I’ve been lucky to have some incredible coaching figures shape my development. Vinay Chatterjee from MYC is a stand out. As one of my early coaches, he taught me the approach ‘see the ball hit the ball’, which shaped the fearless and positive intent I follow to this day. This method makes complete sense to me and helped integrate my aggressive batting style into my gameplay. He gave me the mental freedom to back my hand-eye coordination. More than that, Vinay believed in me right from the start; he gave me the incredible opportunity to play in the Margaret Peden Shield competition even when I was still fairly new to cricket, which accelerated my progress.
Where do you find inspiration that gets you through challenging times?
Rather than a specific individual or trait, my primary source of motivation comes from my own internal aspirations and the personal milestones I’ve set for myself. I’ve found that this inner drive is exceptionally reliable for navigating through those difficult hurdles on the field. Having that deep-seated ambition provides a meaningful purpose to persevere, ensuring I remain fully committed to giving my absolute best regardless of the circumstances.
Who are the three people in the world you’d love to meet and talk to?
Ash Barty: The ultimate masterclass in balance and mental health. Meeting her would be amazing because she walked away from tennis at world number one on her own terms. She knows exactly who she is outside of being an athlete, which is a rare and powerful perspective for any cricketer to learn from.
Cathy Freeman: The sheer mental toughness required to block out that level of expectation and still execute a gold-medal performance is something every sportsperson dreams of understanding.
Shubman Gill: As a another young player, I would love to talk to Shubhman Gill about the approach he brings to the crease,
What do you like to do to relax outside cricket?
When I’m looking to unwind, I find peace in various creative outlets like crafting, diving into my favorite playlists, or spending time journaling. Engaging in these artistic pursuits provides the ultimate way to completely detach from the high-octane environment of cricket, allowing me to fully recharge my batteries before the next match.
What do you do outside of cricket?
I am currently balancing my cricket with my education as a Year 10 student at St John Paul II Catholic College. The school has been an incredible pillar of support for my athletic dreams, and I feel truly lucky to have mentors like Mr Watson and Mrs Cartagena. They have been instrumental in helping me manage my academic workload alongside a demanding training schedule, always offering the right guidance to keep me moving forward. Having that dedicated backing within the college environment has been vital to my progression in the sport.
Do you have a favourite quote?
‘I didn't want to be a survivor. I wanted to be a conqueror.’ — Sir Viv Richards
This powerful sentiment perfectly resonates with my personal approach to the game. I thrive on playing a fearless, high-intensity brand of cricket, and this quote truly captures that internal drive to seize the initiative and dominate the contest from the very first ball.
What are your goals for the next season?
My main goals for the season is continuing the aggressive approach Ialready have by scoring quick runs but not in a way of small cameos of batting rather playing the whole innings while scoring fast with a higher strike rate. My main focus for the upcoming season is to continue playing highly positive fearless cricket. I’m aiming to score a few hundreds off as little as 40 or 50 balls. Last season, I didn't get many bowling opportunities due to our team composition, so a big goal of mine this year is to break into the bowling attack more regularly, find a consistent rhythm with my leg-spin, and take wickets consistently for the team.
Can we ask, what would it mean to you to play first class cricket?
It would mean absolutely everything for me to step up into the senior ranks. It definitely takes a lot of hard work and dedication but in the end it would be worth it. It's about reaching the highest possible level of club cricket, playing First Grade premier cricket for Penrith, and using that pathway to progress to international cricket.
