The men’s Japan national team won their opening match in the ACC Challenger Cup, defeating hosts Thailand by 45 runs.

The win was set up by a bombastic 74 from 48 balls by captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming, who was ably supported by Alex Shirai-Patmore (31) in a partnership of 90 from 67 balls.

A total of 166/6 from 20 overs appeared a par score on a high-scoring ground and Japan knew they would need to fight in the second innings.

Thailand came hard in the opening overs, scoring 45 from the first three as Chaloemwong Chatpaisan hammered six boundaries and a six in his 31 from 12 balls.

The match swung back in Japan’s favour when Reo Sakurano took three wickets in the fifth over.

Sakurano would ultimately finish with Japan’s best-ever bowling figures in T20 Internationals, taking six for 26 and passing his own previous best on debut in 2022.

Ibby Takahashi chipped in as well, bowling tight lines and taking three for 10 as Japan bowled Thailand all out for 120 in the 17th over.

Speaking after the game Kadowaki-Fleming said: “It’s great to start with a win and the team stayed calm when the Thai batters started so well. There’s things to work on but it was enjoyable to be out there as a team again and hope the fans back home were entertained.”

Player of the Match Sakurano said: “I’ve probably bowled better, but of course it’s great to help the team get a win. Now it’s on to the next one.”

The fixtures are scheduled as follows: 

• Thailand vs Japan: Friday 2nd February – 15:50
• Maldives vs Japan: Sunday 4th February – 15:50
• Singapore vs Japan: Tuesday 6th February – 11:30

Knockout matches are scheduled as follows: 

• 5th Place Playoff, 7th Place Playoff: Wednesday 7th February
• Semi-Finals: Friday 9th February
• 3rd Place Playoff, Final: Sunday 11th February

Morning matches commence at 09:30 local time / 11:30 Japan Standard Time, afternoon matches commence at 13:30 local time / 15:50 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.

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