Yodhin Punja’s bowling efforts went in vain as MCC-Zayed Cricket Academy (ZCA) Under-16 team lost their third game on their maiden tour of Sri Lanka.
Medium pacer Yodhin (2-22), Aakarsh Krishnakumar (2-36) and Abhishek Prakash (2-17) did well to restrict Sanath Jayasuriya Cricket Academy (SJCA) to 169-9.
But in reply, the Abu Dhabi side collapsed to a 109-run defeat at Moors Sports Club in Colombo.
ZCA captain Mohammed Riyan opted to field, and Punja bowled a fantastic five-over spell to take two wickets as ZCA got off to a good start.
Geet Perera topscored with 26 from 45 balls while Sven Miller made 23 from 37 balls, Pashan Tikku contributed with 22 off 27 balls and Kamesh Hansaka made 20 from 34 balls as the Sri Lankans were restricted to 169-9 in 35 overs.
ZCA’s fielding was exceptional with Riyan effecting a run-out from extra cover and later taking a difficult low-handed catch at mid-wicket. Yodhin too claimed a run-out and a good catch.
Chasing the target, the Abu Dhabi side started well with opener Justin D’Souza and Sachin Jha combining well.
The openers put on 20 for no loss with just five overs gone.
But Jha’s dismissed sparked a batting collapse.
Jha was caught at point off medium pacer Kashun Malin, and once he went SJCA’s spinners proved to be the difference as ZCA were all out for 62 in 23.1 overs.
D’Souza (15) and Pavan Vijaykumar (12) were the only batsmen to reach double figures.
Geet Perera snapped up three for eight in his four overs while Malin finished with two for 11 in his five overs.
Buddin Perera picked two for two in his four overs.
