News & Articles

Japan Secure Series Win Against Indonesia

  • 2022-10-10
  • News & Articles
  • National Team (Men)

A scintillating partnership of 128 in just 67 balls between captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming (81 from 40) and Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake (57* from 42) led the Japan Men to an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series against Indonesia. 

After winning the toss and batting first in a match reduced to 17 overs per side due to overnight rain, Kadowaki-Fleming dropped himself down to number three and unleashed his full repertoire of shots against the Indonesian bowlers. 

It was the first official T20 International half century by a Japanese batter and was brought up with one of five sixes as he reached the landmark off just 26 balls, and was followed soon after by Yamamoto-Lake who required just 36 balls. 

Their stroke-play led Japan to a total of 179 for four from 17 overs and always looked a tough ask for an Indonesia side still coming to terms with the local conditions. 

As in the first match of the series, Japan took a wicket in the first over of the reply as Kohei Kubota went through Wayan Budiarta to claim his first international wicket, however 45* from Agus Priandana, who batted through the innings, held things together for the tourists. 

He was well supported by Pradmaker Surve who made a run-a-ball 22 in a 48 run partnership for the third wicket which frustrated the Japanese attack and was only broken when Shogo Kimura produced a bullet throw to catch Surve short of the line. 

Japan maintained their standards in the field throughout and a sublime diving catch by Declan Suzuki late in the day helped restrict Indonesia to 104 for six after 17 overs and earn Japan a win by 75 runs.

Speaking after the game the captain and MVP was in good spirits: “I first played cricket in Japan seven years ago, so it has felt like a long wait to pull on this jersey, which really makes it special to finally do so,” said Kadowaki-Fleming. 

“It’s a real honour to lead the team and to get two wins and contribute myself today caps a great two days.” He went on to add that the World Cup Qualifiers starting on Saturday 15th remain very much in the minds of all the players and coaching staff and that there is a real gratitude from all the team members for the support they have received so far.  

Japan had two debutants in the match; Vinay Iyer who became the 100th male player to be capped and marked the occasion with a sharp catch at short fine leg, while Kento Ota-Dobell graduated from the Under 19 team to become the 101st cap, and picked up a wicket late in the game. 

Match Summary:

  • Japan 179/4 (Kadowaki-Fleming 81, Yamamoto-Lake 57*)
  • Indonesia 104/6 (Priandana 45*)
  • Japan Win by 75 Runs