American Cricket Champions League
By Terry Coffey
Saturday was a history-making day for Southern California Cricket Association captain Rohit Yadav. On what was described as a difficult wicket, Yadav became the first-ever centurion in American Cricket Champions League play as the Kings bested the Orange County Cricket Association Cougars by 161 runs. And he did it in style.
Yadav won the toss for the Kings and elected to bat—thus sealing the fate of the Cougars.
Southern California started fairly serenely, reaching 56-2 after the first 14 overs, with Yadav on 30 not out. But Yadav started picking up the pace as the Kings nearly doubled their score over the next eight overs, reaching 109 after 22 and 147-3 after 26. After 27 overs, it was official; Yadav had made the first century in ACF Champions League history. He very nearly carried his bat, but finally went for 151 of off 104 balls. Yadav’s blistering innings included nine sixes and 13 fours.
Sunny Ram offered some support to Yadav, scoring 35 as SCCA ended their 40 overs with 262 runs on the board.
Orange County’s bowling attack was decimated with Sashiranth Jinukula the only bright spot, taking 4-55 in his eight overs.
Southern California’s 262 was never going to be an easy chase, and Orange County got behind quickly as they lost opener Devender Singh for a duck after seven balls. The next man in, Nishantha Warnakularachchige, fared no better, also being dismissed for a duck after facing 15 deliveries. After 13 overs, they had dipped to 47-3, and after 20 overs had managed to add only 23 more runs , at 77-5.
In the end, Yadav’s incredible knock put too much pressure on Orange County as they tumbled to 101 all out in 28 overs. Shaveen Senadeera’s 35 and Sidharth Gupta’s 20 lead what resistance Orange County was able to muster. Singh lead Southern California’s bowling attack, taking 3-12.
Southern California’s 161-run road win takes them to 2-1, and gives SCCA a key bonus point in the Southwest Division. Orange County falls to 0-2.
Orange County is next in action August 2 against Southwest Division leaders Arizona. Southern California’s next match is August 24, when Orange County visits, looking for revenge in a return matchup.