A Mississauga teen is leading the way for Cricket Canada. Abraash Khan was named Man of the Match in Canada’s second game at the International Cricket Council (ICC) U15 America’s North Division 1 tournament, being held this week in Winnipeg. Batting fourth, the 13-year-old all-rounder – the youngest member of the team – smashed a game-high 77 runs off 69 balls as Canada rolled over Bermuda 207-107 on Tuesday. He also contributed with the ball, capturing a key wicket during the visitors’ turn at bat.

It was Canada’s first victory in the tri-nation tourney following its loss to the United States (U.S.) in the opener on Monday.
Being named Man of the Match is icing on the cake for Khan, says his mom, Syeda, who along with her husband and younger son, Abaan, were in the stands for the game.
“He was already excited to be representing Canada for the first time, so this honour was an extra thrill,” she said.
Syeda says her son’s heroics reminded her of a remark made by an immigration officer when the family, with then one-year-old Abraash in tow, landed in Canada in 2000.
“He noticed we were coming in from Pakistan, looked at us and said he hopes we’ll help to bring cricket to Canada,” she recalled. “At the time, I only smiled and thought nothing much of it.”
Little did she know her son would go on to excel in his native land’s favourite sport.
Just three years ago, the Hazel McCallion Public School student was introduced to cricket at Mississauga-based Ontario Cricket Academy. Under coach Derek Perera, who represented Canada at the senior level, Khan was soon captain of the club’s U15 squad. As well, he’s often called up to play in U19 action.
Canada plays Bermuda again today in what has become a three-horse race following the Caribbean nation’s upset of the U.S. yesterday. Canada needs a win to solidify its championship hopes. Also on the Canadian squad are two brothers from the Mississauga Ramblers club: Neil and Kurt Ramdath.