The Men’s Japan Under 19 team eventually lost by 162 runs to tournament favourites at the ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup East Asia Pacific Qualifier in Darwin, but took plenty of positives from the performance.

Playing against one of the strongest Under 19 teams in world cricket, Japan won the toss and chose to bowl. The decision looked vindicated when Japan had New Zealand in trouble at 131 for six in the 28th over, Kiefer Yamamoto-Lake and Shotaro Hiratsuka both claiming two scalps.

The depth of quality in the New Zealand line up eventually proved the difference as Sam Clode (53) and Zac Cumming (78) put on 108 in 16.1 overs for the 7th wicket to take the game beyond Japan’s reach with a total of 295 all out.

In the chase captain Koji Hardgrave-Abe (35) and Hiratsuka (24) put on a half century partnership to put Japan 82 for two at around the halfway mark, but it was Cumming again who stole the show, taking three wickets in the 27th over to put New Zealand well on top.

The Japanese batters showed great resolve and tenacity to make New Zealand work as hard as possible for the win, eventually being dismissed for 133 in the 44th over.

Speaking after the game coach Arden Ruhode said he was proud of the way his team had played and believes it holds them in good stead for the rest of the tournament.

Elsewhere on Day One, Fiji defeated Papua New Guinea and Indonesia defeated Vanuatu.