Japan Progress After Victory Over Fiji

The Men’s Japan National Team eased into the Super Six stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier at Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin.

Japan made a roaring start after being asked to bowl, effecting a run out first ball before the recalled Reo Sakurano-Thomas picked up two quick wickets to have Fiji reeling at three for three in the fourth over.

Josaia Baleicikobia provided some resistance, last out for 39 from 57 deliveries to drag his team up to 74 all out with nobody else making double figures.

Ibrahim Takahashi collected three wickets for Japan while Makoto Taniyama grabbed two and took his international tally to 73, just one away from equalling current CEO Naoki Miyaji as Japan’s leading wicket taker of all time.

Despite losing Abhishek Anand first ball of the run chase, Esam Rahman took control in making 47* from 26 balls to take Japan home in the eighth over with eight wickets in hand.

The teams will now all move to Sano with the Super Six beginning on Tuesday 12th May with Japan in action in the afternoon.