SCCAY USA youth tour of Sri Lanka a memorable experience

The SCCAY donated clothing and cricket material to Foundation of Goodness Under-13/15 Cricket Academy students

 Foundation of Goodness Under-13/15 CA students display 

cricket clothing and equipment donated by SCCAY

The Southern California Cricket Association Youth (SCCAY) team players had an incredible time playing against Sri Lankan youth teams in Colombo and Galle on their short tour to Sri Lanka.

Head Coach Mumtaz Yusuf described it as “a truly enriching experience that went beyond just cricket”.

The matches were competitive and exciting, with both sides showcasing impressive skills and sportsmanship. The players forged new friendships and bonds with their Sri Lankan counterparts, experiencing the universal language of sports.

Beyond the cricket pitch, the SCCAY USA players were immersed in Sri Lankan culture. They experienced the warmth of local hospitality, savoured delicious Sri Lankan cuisine, and visited historical sites, gaining a deeper appreciation for the country’s rich heritage.

Although result wise it was not a success, playing in different conditions against unfamiliar opponents provided invaluable learning opportunities for the young American cricketers. They honed their skills, adapted to new challenges, and returned home with improved game sense and tactical awareness.

“The tour was an unforgettable adventure for the SCCAY USA youth players. The memories made, both on and off the field, will undoubtedly stay with them for a lifetime, inspiring them both as cricketers and individuals,” stated Yusuf.

“Overall, the SCCAY USA youth tour to Sri Lanka was a resounding success. It was a testament to the power of sports in fostering cultural exchange, personal growth, and lasting friendships. After coaching multiple age groups in USA and having tours last year to Sri Lanka and Malaysia with Under-19 players it was an experience bringing a U-15 squad on this occasion.”

Tour results

• Lost to St. Benedict’s College by 47 runs

St. Benedict’s 173-7 (35) (Sandith Henuka 51*, 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 Athapaththu 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 by 35 runs

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 by 9 wickets

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*, Thinuga Mendis 50*)

Man of the Match: Anupama Mallikarachchi

vs Colts Cricket Academy – No Result (rain)

SCCAY 135-4 (17) (Rohan Bhangay 28, Rahul Musti 45, Aditha Perera 1/5, Sinath Sandul 1/12) v Colts CA

• Lost to St. Joseph’s College by 6 wickets

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*, Dihen Gunawardane 26, Atharv Pilkhane 2/27, Hrishekesh Giri 1/19)

Man of the Match: Chetina Kavindu