Japan started well after winning the toss and electing to bowl. Opening quicks; Ahilya Chandel, Elena Kusuda-Nairn, and Meg Ogawa controlled the power play bowling very economically. Japan had Nepal in trouble for most of the innings, having them at 59 for two at the 15-over mark. This is when the Nepalese girls; Indu Barma (27) and Rubina Chhetry (38) hit back for the final five overs and shared a 70-run partnership to score a total of 113 for four after 20.

Japan’s powerplay batting let them down again today losing six wickets in the first eight overs. Off-spinner Sangita Rai was the main disruptor taking incredible figures of five wickets off only six runs. A late consolation cameo innings from Ogawa (17) helped lift the total, nevertheless, Nepal bowled out Japan on the last ball of the innings for 46 losing by 67 runs.

Japan will face Nepal again tomorrow morning starting from 10:30 am Japan time. After a disappointing tournament, Japan will look to finish on a positive playing for 3rd place. 

Match Schedule (Japan Time):

• Wednesday 15 November – Hong Kong vs Japan, Time 15:00
• Thursday 16 November – Tanzania vs Japan, Time 10:30
• Saturday 18 November – Nepal vs Japan, Time 10:30
• Sunday 19 November – 3rd Place Play-Off, Time 10:30
• Sunday 19 November – Final, Time 15:00

All matches will take place at Hong Kong Cricket Club and are scheduled to be live-streamed. Follow JCA and Hong Cricket Association’s official social media for further information and updates.