The Men’s Japan Under 19 Team fought hard against a mighty Sri Lanka side in their opening match of the Under 19 Asia Cup in Dubai.

Ultimately Japan were defeated by seven wickets, but could take several positives from their performance. 

Captain Koji Hardgrave-Abe looked composed and well organised, striking 19 after Sri Lanka dismissed both Japanese openers without scoring. 

His dismissal led to a collapse of five wickets for just ten runs, and at 35 for eight Japan were very much in the mire. 

Charlie Hinze, just 15 years old, counterattacked with gusto, cracking four boundaries on his way to 36 from 52 balls; the highest score of the match. 

In a partnership of 37 with Kiefer Yamamoto-Lake, the ninth wicket pair doubled the Japan total before they were all out for 75 in the 31st over. 

With the ball the opening pair of Yamamoto-Lake and Kazuma Kato-Stafford caused plenty of problems, creating chances for catches as well as run-out opportunities as the Sri Lankan batters were never allowed to get comfortable. 

Yamamoto-Lake struck twice, with Kato-Stafford also picking up a wicket, but the Sri Lankans reached the total in the 14th over to take the points from the contest. 

Japan are back in action against Bangladesh on Monday 11th December at 14:30 Japan time.

The fixtures are scheduled as follows: 

• Sri Lanka vs Japan: Saturday 9th December
• Bangladesh vs Japan: Monday 11th December
• UAE vs Japan: Wednesday 13th December

Knockout matches are scheduled as follows: 

• Semi-Finals: Friday 15th December
• Final: Sunday 17th December

All matches commence at 09:30 local time / 14:30 Japan Standard Time. 

All matches will be available to watch live on the Asian Cricket Council YouTube Channel and live scores can be followed on the ACC Match Centre.

Please join us in wishing the players good luck for this next challenge!

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