The J-BASH All-Stars has relocated to the Sano International Cricket Ground for 2023 as the Pandas and Pelicans took to the Tanuma Turf for the first time.
Bowling first the Pelicans made a dream start as Kiyo Fujikawa picked up the wicket of the dangerous Akari Nishimura in the second over of the match.
However, the Pandas took control thereafter as Erika Oda complied an excellent half century, including a thunderous straight drive for six, in an almighty partnership of 125 from 17.3 overs with Ahilya Chandel, who was run out in the final over for 47.
The 55 from Oda helped the Pandas post 138 for three with Fujikawa easily the pick of the bowlers and clearly relishing playing on a spinning surface.
Chandel then decided that the support role was not for her, taking the new ball and removing the dangerous Haruna Iwasaki in the first over on her way to figures of three wickets for just 12 runs.
She was backed up impressively by Nonoha Yasumoto, the youngster from Uenomiya who looks set for an international debut later this month at the Women’s East Asia Cup. She took two for 11 from her three overs and gave little opportunity to score.
The Pandas defied the nature of the cuddly creatures and were load and active in the field, taking sharp catches and facilitiating two run outs as the Pelicans had their wings clipped and kept to 125 for nine from their 20 overs, falling 13 runs short in the chase.
Ahilya Chandel took home the Player of the Match award for an excellent all-round display.
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