Ziya Mohanlall in action on the field - Competing at senior provincial level at such a young age is a rare achievement and one that speaks volumes about her potential.
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At just 14 years old, Ziya Mohanlall has earned her professional debut for the Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies. The Sherwood teenager took the field against South Western Districts in Oudtshoorn, becoming one of the youngest players to represent the senior provincial side.
The moment was both thrilling and nerve-wracking.
"I was nervous leading up to the match," Mohanlall who bowled one over in the match which her team went on to narrowly lose admitted.
"I was also nervous during my first over. I learnt that everyone makes mistakes even at such a high level and that nerves are normal. It means you care."
That honesty reflects the maturity of a player who, despite her age, has already represented South Africa at Under-19 level and is now making her mark in senior provincial cricket.
Her journey began humbly during her early school years. Mohanlall first picked up a bat in Grade 1 while playing mini-cricket at Penzance Primary School, discovering a love for the game that would soon grow into something much more serious. By Grade 3 she had transitioned to hard-ball cricket, showing early signs of the determination and skill that would later catch the attention of selectors.
Today, the talented youngster is a bowling all-rounder and right-arm leg spinner, a craft widely regarded as one of the most challenging disciplines in cricket.
Before her Dolphins debut, Mohanlall had already represented the South Africa Women's Under-19 Cricket Team, wearing the national colours and competing alongside some of the country's brightest emerging players. Her selection forms part of South Africa's preparations for the upcoming ICC Women's Under-19 T20 World Cup.
"Representing South Africa is an incredible honour," she shared. "It's an experience that pushes you to work even harder and to keep improving your game."
For South Africa Under-19 Women's head coach Dinesha Devnarain, Mohanlall's potential is already evident.
"She's a young leg spinner who has shown really exciting potential for her age," Devnarain explained. "What impressed us most is her natural wicket-taking ability and the courage she shows with the ball, which is an important quality for a leg spinner.
"At the same time, she demonstrates strong behaviours both on and off the field, which aligns with the environment and brand of cricket we are trying to build. This opportunity is really about exposing her to a higher-performance space, allowing her to learn, grow, and continue developing her craft within the group."
Behind Mohanlall's growing success is a supportive family that has played a vital role in nurturing her passion for the sport. Her parents recall noticing her natural talent at a young age and quickly realised that their daughter's enthusiasm for cricket was something special.
Like many families raising young athletes, the Mohanlalls have balanced busy schedules, long travel commitments, and the demands of training sessions and matches, all while ensuring that Mohanlall maintains her academic responsibilities.
Despite the pressures of elite sport, the young cricketer remains grounded. Her parents say they are immensely proud to see her wearing the national colours but emphasise that values such as humility, discipline, and gratitude remain at the heart of her journey.
Balancing school life and competitive cricket can be demanding, but Mohanlall approaches the challenge with the maturity of someone far beyond her years. Through careful time management, dedication to training, and support from teachers and coaches, she continues to excel both in the classroom and on the cricket field.
Currently playing for the Delta Women's Cricket Club, Mohanlall dreams of one day representing South Africa at the highest level of the game.
14 year old Ziya Mohanlall - Ziya earned her debut for the Hollywoodbets Dolphins Women under 19 team
Image: Supplied