Japan were indebted to firstly to the bat of Sabaorish Ravichandran, and then to the bowling unit which proved too strong for the Philippines.

Batting first Japan were under pressure at 43 for three when Ravichandran entered the fray, and his 41 from 26 balls shifted momentum decisively.

When Japan completed their innings, a total of 127 was going to require the bowlers to be at their best to see the team home.

The Philippines opening batters, Russ (43*) and Samra (25) made a steady start, taking them to 47 in the tenth over before Declan Suzuki knocked back Samra’s middle stump.

From there the bowlers began to really stifle the batters with Piyush Kumbhare and Ravichandran economical as ever.

The run rate required continued to rise and culminated in a 33-run win for Japan, achieved with several players off the field with injury.

Speaking after the match captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming said: “we’ve got a few injuries to assess, but I’m confident I’ll be fine. It was great to see Reo (Sakurano) step up and lead the team in the field, he did a great job.”

Tomorrow is a rest day for Japan with Vanuatu following that on Friday morning.