Japan Hope To Inspire New Fans After India Loss

The Women’s Japan National Team lost by eight wickets in their Asian Games Quarter Final in Nagoya, but hope the impact of the match on the new fans is long-lasting.

Reigning 50-over World Champions India were far too strong on the field, but the support of the crowd and scenes after the game will live long in the memory for those who were there.

After being asked to bat Japan fought hard and made it through the powerplay unscathed at 24 without loss and Haruna Iwasaki striking an impressive boundary to conclude the 5th over.

Although she departed for 10 from 22 balls at the start of the 7th over, Ayaka Kato-Stafford battled on, making 25 from 47 and holding the innings together.

The left-arm spin of Shree Charani was too good for many of the batters, as she took four wickets for just ten runs to leave Japan all out for 57 in the last over.

Shafali Verma totally dominated the run chase, making 40 not out from just 15 balls, but Japan struck twice as Gunalan Kamalini departed during a wicket-maiden over from Nonoha Yasumoto, before Kato-Stafford fooled Bharti Fulmali.

The JCA and Women’s National Team would like to thank all those who attended the game, and those who supported from afar, and hope this can begin a new era for cricket in Japan.