Japan Defeat Thailand in Tournament Opener

The Men’s Japan National Team made a strong start to the Thailand Men’s Open Series in Bangkok, defeating the hosts by 37 runs in the opening fixture.

This was the first time the teams had met since Thailand emerged victorious in the final of the Japan-hosted Tri-Series in 2025, so Japan needed no extra motivation.

After being asked to bat first, Captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming and Abhishek Anand combined for an opening stand of 68 from 53 balls.

After Anand fell for 43, the captain went on to register his 11th T20 International half century, but departed next ball to spark a collapse.

The 16th over was mayhem as Nopphon Senamontree took three in the over to turn 123 for two into 124 for five, eventually finishing with four for 25 from his four overs.

A late rally from Benjamin Ito-Davis and Charlie Hara-Hinze took Japan to 157 for six after 20 overs, a total they would be confident of defending.

That was how things worked out as the Japan bowlers suffocated the Thai batters, picking up wickets regularly with seven of the eight bowlers used chipping in.

Thailand batted out the overs to finish 120 for nine at the end, giving Japan a win by 37 runs to avenge that defeat nine months ago and give themselves a great chance of making the Saturday final.