Visiting Sri Lanka, the Southern California Cricket Association Youth (SCCAY) team had a memorable tour of the island last month where they played in a series of matches against teams in Colombo and Galle.
The team was under the coaching guidance of former Sri Lanka first class cricketer Mumtaz Yusuf and the tour was coordinated by veteran travel and tour promoter, the affable Bernand Wijetunga who needs no introduction.
“It was a truly enriching experience that went beyond just cricket”, said Yusuf “It was a testament to the power of sports in fostering cultural exchange, personal growth and lasting friendships.
“After coaching multiple age groups in the USA and having tours to Sri Lanka and Malaysia with Under-19 players it was an experience bringing an Under-15 squad on this occasion.”
According to Yusuf, the matches were competitive and exciting, with both sides showcasing impressive skills and sportsmanship.
The visiting players had also toured historic sites and savoured local culture while learning of new experiences.
They also donated clothing and cricket gear to the under-13 players at the Foundation of Goodness, a humanitarian organization in Hikkaduwa which is administered under the guidance of former first class cricketer and ex-secretary of Sri Lanka Cricket Kushil Gunasekera.
Tour results
Lost to St. Benedict’s College
St. Benedict’s 173-7 (35) (Sandith Henuka 51 not out, Sivakumar Nawanith 41, Rohan Musti 2/26, Arnav Kadakia 1/4)
SCCAY: 126-9 (35) (Rohan Musti 25, Rahul Musti 17, Tharin Perera 4/31, Thinula Dinsara 2/9)
Man of the Match: Tharin Perera
Lost to MCA by 34 runs
MCA: 126 (35) (Thenuk Perera 26, Aken Atapattu 24, Jiansh Maker 2/8, Hrishkesh 1/3)
SCCAY: 92 (35) (Rohan Musti 22, Rishi Musti 11, Binoth Sendil 2/14, Chenitha Maratuwage 2/13)
Man of the Match: Binoth Sendil
Lost to Foundation of Goodness Cricket Academy
FOGCA: 231-9 (35) (Linuwara Sathiwindi 31, Pinsara Duthantha 26, Atharv Pilkhane 2/34, Arnav Kadakia 2/25)
SCCAY: 78 (21.3) (Arnav Kadakia 27, Vijayan Sriram 16, Sandaru Malshan 3/26, Linuwara Sathiwindu 1/9)
Man of the Match: Linuwara Sathiwindu
Lost to Colts Cricket Academy
SCCAY: 132-6 (20) (Rohan Bhangay 37, Tarun Sribhaskar 13, Kevan Jayawardena 1/4, Anupama Mallikarachchi 1/17)
Colts CA: 132-1 (15.2) (Anupama Mallikarachchi 63 not out, Thinuga Mendis 50 not out)
Man of the Match: Anupama Mallikarachchi
Lost to St. Joseph’s College
SCCAY: 131 (30.5) (Vijayan Sriram 33, Rahul Musti 27, Nathan de Silva 3/21, Gayasha Fernando 2/10)
St. Joseph’s: 135-4 (22.4) (Chetina Kavindu 55 not out, Dihen Gunawardane 26, Atharv Pilkhane 2/27, Hrishekesh Giri 1/19)
Man of the Match: Chetina Kavindu
