The Men’s Japan National Team earned a second win in the Sano International Tri-Series to make it two from two in the tournament so far after seeing off the Cook Islands by 34 runs.

Having been asked to bat first, Japan were indebted to Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake for his 33 at the top of the order, an innings made under pressure as wickets fell around him.

While there were small contributions down the order, which was enough to get Japan passed the 100 mark, the Cook Islands would have been pleased to take all ten Japanese wickets for just 105.

Just like yesterday however, Japan struck twice early on to leave the Islanders facing an uphill struggle as the Japanese spinners applied the squeeze.

Charlie Hara-Hinze made the early breakthroughs, while Ben Ito-Davis was miserly as well, with both being backed up by some excellent catching.

Makoto Taniyama, who had early struck some useful runs at the end of the innings, ended with figures of four for 18 to wrap up the win and claim the MVP award.

That wrapped up a tough day for the Cook Islands, who also lost to Thailand in the morning by eight wickets.

Those results mean that Japan need to win one of their remaining two games to confirm a place in Sunday’s final, while net run rate could also be a factor in deciding their opponents.

Highlights

Men’s Sano International Tri-Series schedule is as follows:

• 7th May (Wednesday) 14:30 – Cook Islands vs Thailand (Cook Islands won by 3 wickets)
• 8th May (Thursday) 14:30 – Japan vs Thailand (Japan won by 61 runs)
• 9th May (Friday) 9:30 – Thailand vs Cook Islands (Thailand won by 8 wickets)
• 9th May (Friday) 14:30 – Japan vs Cook Islands (Japan won by 34 runs)
• 10th May (Saturday) 9:30 – Japan vs Thailand
• 10th May (Saturday) 14:30 – Japan vs Cook Islands
• 11th May (Sunday) 9:30 – Final

Men’s Japan National Team and Cook Islands International Series schedule is as follows:

• 13th May (Tuesday) 9:30 – Japan vs Cook Islands
• 14th May (Wednesday) 9:30 – Japan vs Cook Islands

Good Luck Team!

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