The Chiba Sharks won their fourth Japan Cricket League (JCL) title, and their first since 2021, to become the joint most successful team in JCL history, and secure a first JCL-Japan Cup double for the club.

The win moves them past Tigers CC (with three) and level with Tokyo Wombats and the team they defeated, Sano CC who also have four titles each.

The Sharks had finished the regular season in second place, having lost just once all season, and stormed past the 2024 winners Tokyo Falcons in the semi-final. 

Their batting firepower was enough to get them across the line in the final, captain Dhugal Bedingfield leading the way with 61 as his team made 216 for nine from 40 overs. He was supported by Nikhil Pol, who scored 53 as part of an opening partnership of 108 which served to set things up. 

The Sharks had Benjamin Ito-Davis to thank for helping to bowl Sano out for just 146, the Japanese off-spinning all rounder grabbed three for 18 to secure a 70-run win for his team and spark major celebrations as the club completed the JCL and Japan Cup double for the first time in their history.

Elsewhere in the JCL, Tigers CC earned a record-extending sixth Division Two title, defeating Kawasaki Knight Riders in the final by 100 runs.

A win for KKR would have been their first ever JCL title, but the wait was ended later that day when the Division Three team secured a seven-wicket win over the Tokyo Star Kings. 

It was a weekend for redemption though as the Star Kings themselves were still able to celebrate their team winning the JCL Division Four title with a comfortable ten-wicket win over the Men in Blue.

Congratulations to all the teams and we look forward to announcing all the individual award winners at the JCA Annual Awards in Tokyo on Saturday 6th December.