SACA dominate Warwickshire to record largest ever victory

The South Asian Cricket Academy (SACA) has secured the biggest win in its history, recording a thumping 405-run victory over Warwickshire 2nd XI in a statement performance.

It was a match that showcased the rising talent, discipline, and hunger within the programme. Excellent hundreds from Savin Perera, Vaansh Jani, Arav Shetty and a 10-wicket haul from Thilan Walallawita allowed the squad to create history, leaving no doubt about their credentials as one of the most exciting and important programmes in English cricket.

The match begun with SACA captain, Savin Perera, winning the toss and electing to bat at the Edgbaston Community Sports Ground. Perera led by example as he opened the batting and anchored the team to a solid first innings lead of 309. The former England u19 international led the charge with a composed knock of 114 off of 177 balls. He showed patience and maturity, handling Warwickshire’s new ball attack with poise before accelerating in the middle overs. His century, a mix of elegant stroke play and gritty determination, laid the foundation for an impressive SACA performance. Perera was ably supported by an agressive cameo from Vansh Jani who scored 40 runs off of 42 balls. Danny Briggs was the pick of the bowlers for Warwickshire 2nd XI as he picked up 4 wickets.

Warwickshire, led by SACA graduate Zen Malik, came in looking to match the first innings effort with the bat. However, a bright opening spell and excellent use of the new ball from Hishaam Khan meant that Warwickshire found themselves in trouble at 90-4 with Khan picking up two wickets. 18 year-old wicketkeeper Oliver Dandy led the rebuild with a fluent and determined 113 off 144 balls.

The Warwickshire batters had no answers to the guile and accuracy of Thilan Walallawita who spun his way to a brilliant five-wicket haul. His ability to maintain pressure and exploit the surface was on full display, as he constantly challenged the batters' technique and decision-making. Warwickshire were bowled out for 274, giving SACA a slender first-innings lead of 35 runs.

What came next was arguably SACA’s best batting performance since the programme's inception in 2021. Opening the second innings with confidence and aggression, the top and middle-order batters took the game by the scruff off the neck and piled on the runs. 19 year-old Vansh Jani led the charge with a commanding 156 off 169 balls. It was a knock filled with blistering aggression and confidence from a player in red-hot form. This was Jani’s third hundred of the season so far, a significant achievement considering we’ve not yet reached May. Many counties are sure to have taken notice. Not far behind was 20 year-old Arav Shetty, who delivered a majestic 169 off 195 balls, ensuring that SACA kept the scoreboard ticking whilst building a mammoth lead. Their partnership laid the foundation for a massive total of 529.

Vansh Jani in the nets in Abu Dhabi

Shetty highlighted the importance of SACA’s team spirit and how grateful he is for the opportunity to put himself in the shop window.

He said: “I had a few years of batting lower than I would’ve liked in 2s cricket, so when I play for SACA I’m very grateful to still have the platform to show what I can do and always want to make the opportunity count as much as possible.

“To do that with a big hundred was pleasing, and putting on 230 with Vanshy made it even better, he’s smashed it in the first part of the season and a big part of playing for SACA is enjoying each other’s success, so it was a memorable game.”

Needing 565 runs to pull off a famous victory, Warwickshire’s batters were once again left stunned by SACA’s clinical bowling attack.

Thilan Walallawita , recently released from Middlesex after five years in the professional game, picked up right where he left off in the first innings. The 26 year-old took another five wickets in the second innings to complete a sensational match haul of 10 wickets for 130 runs from 48.2 overs, including 9 maidens. The left-arm off-spinner recorded SACA’s best ever bowling figures as he delivered some absolute beauty’s to get rid of the Warwickshire batters. Finding turn and bounce on the fifth innings pitch,  Walallawita was often unplayable as he led SACA to a famous victory. He was well supported by fellow left-arm off spinner Zain Latif, who picked up 3 wickets.

Thilan Walallawita bowling for Middlesex

Warwickshire were bowled out for just 159, sealing SACA’s colossal 405-run win. While the numbers and individual performances tell the story of dominance, this victory means more than numbers for the South Asian Cricket Academy. It not only highlights SACA’s growing prowess but also reinforces the importance and impact of the academy’s mission to uncover and nurture British South Asian cricketing talent.

SACA Director Tom Brown highlighted the value in results and individual performances like those that were on show in Birmingham.

He said: “We’re absolutely ecstatic with the results. The message to the players was clear: put in performances that get you noticed – and to come away with three hundreds and a ten-wicket haul shows they’ve done exactly that.

“Off the back of this, Thilan has earned a trial with Warwickshire, and Vansh – who was already on trial – has further strengthened his case. It’s a perfect example of how the SACA programme can work, and we wish them both the very best on the next step of their journey.”

With performances like this, SACA continues to break barriers and make a compelling case for inclusion and diversity in the professional game.