The Women’s Japan National Team fought hard and gave a great account of themselves in the ACC Premier Cup Quarter Final, but eventually fell short against hosts Malaysia.

An excellent performance with the ball, spearheaded by Nonoha Yasumoto’s one for eight from three overs, had restricted Malaysia to a score of 101 for three.

The other wicket-taker was Kurumi Ota, who claimed her 45th international scalp for Japan, which makes her Japan Women’s joint leading wicket-taker of all time.

Chasing 102 for victory, and a guaranteed place in the ACC Emerging Nations, was always going to be a difficult task, but Japan had hope while captain Mai Yanagida was at the crease.

Yanagida struck five boundaries on her way to 37 from 34 balls but was eventually dismissed via a calamitous run-out in the 18th over with 34 still required.

That was the first of three run outs in 12 balls and Japan eventually finished 85 for seven, an agonising 16 runs short.

Speaking after the match Head Coach Ardene Ruhode said: “It’s been a great opportunity for our team to play more matches on turf pitches, see the standard of the region and learn more about what we need to do in order to push for higher honours.”

He continued: “There have been lots of special moments on this tour Mai Yanagida making 64*, Ahilya Chandel taking four wickets in four balls, Hinase Goto making her highest ever score, so we can go home with our heads held high after making the last eight.”

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