By David Stephens

Pubudu Dassanayake

In Canada the sport of cricket enjoys a popularity which fluctuates geographically. In cities like Montreal and Vancouver, it has to play poor cousin to the county's other popular sports such as Ice Hockey, Baseball and Basketball. However in cities where there is a sizable Asian population, the sport is played passionately and continues to grow.

The Canadian national team has spent the latter part of January and the beginning of February battling the squads of Sri Lanka 'A, Ireland and Afghanistan in a number of One Day International and T20 matches held here in Sri Lanka.

Although they have suffered three heavy losses to a talented Sri Lankan 'A' team shouldering the likes of Farveez Maharoof, Tharanga Paranavithana and Chamara Kapugedera, their solitary loss to Afghanistan was likely to be a closely contested affair had the rain not arrived to award the Afghans victory via the Duckworth/ Lewis method.

The Canadians gave their best performance on this tour of Sri Lanka during a 50 over match against the Sri Lankan 'A' side, played at the Colts Cricket Club grounds in Colombo. During this 45 run Canadian loss, Pakistani born medium pacer Umar Bhatti displayed his abundant talent by capturing 3 wickets for just 22 runs. Moreover he scored a fighting 51 including 4 fours and 1 six which bolstered the Canadian innings.

Joining Bhatti on the wickets and half century list from that match were fast bowler Khurram Chohan, who gathered figures of 3-57, and right handed batsman Ashish Bagai, who scored a resilient 75.
Another player who is likely to stir reader interest is 24 year old Trevin Bastiampillai, who opened for Canada during this tour. Born on the sunny sands of Sri Lanka, this prodigious talent went on to represent Canada in the 2004 edition of the Under 19 World Cup. In 2005 during the ICC Americas under 19s tournament he bludgeoned 110 runs against a Bermuda side who sported a number of players who would later represent their country in the 2007 World Cup.

Two players within the Canadian ranks also play their cricket here in Sri Lanka. Medium pacer Henry Osinde represents Tamil Union Cricket and Athletic club and Harvir Baidwan, another medium pacer, plays for Colts Cricket Club.

Former Sri Lankan International, Pubudu Dassanayake, who has been coaching the side since 2007, says Canada is one young cricketing nation that does not suffer from a lack of infrastructure back home.
"We have 11 turf grounds and an indoor facility for when the winter season comes round. Right now it is winter actually, that is why we are touring in Sri Lanka at the moment," Dassanayake explained
Canada also has a well formulated club system for its club cricket. It has leagues for cricketers coming up from the under 13 age group right up to the professional level. Toronto houses the bulk of the country's cricket clubs but every province in the country does have a major cricketing league.

Dassanayake expressed his gratitude to the Sri Lankan officials for organizing this tour saying it gave his players a chance to play against solid opposition. Canada will next head to Dubai to qualify for the T20 World Cup. Only the top two teams from their group will secure qualification.

Pix by Sanka Vidanagama