The Eastern Waves took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the Women’s Japan Premier League with a hard-fought win over the Western Eagles on a scorching hot day in Sano. 

Winning the toss and batting, Japan captain Mai Yanagida anchored the innings with 35 not out, with a run-a-ball partnership of 61 with Hong Kong captain Kary Chan who made 30. 

After Chan was smartly stumped by compatriot Lemon Cheung, the Eagles forced the Waves onto the back foot by taking four wickets for 15 runs with Emmerson Filsell again proving almost impossible to get away. 

A total of 103 for five was boosted by the Eagles’ struggles with their 5th bowler and a significant amount of extras conceded, however it did not seem out of reach.

Eagles captain Erika Oda held the key to the chase and took on the responsibility making 28 before she was eventually dismissed by one that popped from Kary Chan to be caught behind. 

The Waves were infinitely more disciplined with their bowling, giving very little away and much like the day before the wickets were shared between Chan (three for 12) and Jess Adams (three for 13) with Meg Ogawa and Aya Kato-Stafford chipping in with one each. 

That bowling display meant that the Waves kept the Eagles to a score of 73 for nine meaning a win by 28 runs as Kary Chan went home with the MVP award. 

Match Summary

Eastern Waves: 103 for five (Yanagida 35*, Chan 30), beat Western Eagles 73 for nine (Oda 28, Chan three for 12, Adams three for 13).