Kobayashi-Doggett Century Crushes Qatar at U19 Premier Cup

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The Men’s Japan Under 19 team concluded their ACC Premier Cup campaign with a comfortable win over Qatar, inspired by Kaisei Kobayashi-Doggett’s sublime unbeaten century.

Having been asked to bat first at the toss, the Japanese top order made starts through Taylor Waugh (40 from 76 balls) and Charlie Hara-Hinze (50 from 42).

There was a significant wobble when Hara-Hinze was dismissed in the 29th over, leaving the team 120 for five with two batters in on 0 and Qatar hoping for a quick finish to the innings. However, for the third time in a row at this tournament, the opposition were unable to bowl Japan out.

A partnership of 49 between Kobayashi-Doggett and captain Kazuma Kato-Stafford (14) helped steady things before a second stumble left the team 190 for seven after 38 overs.

Kobayashi-Doggett then took charge in an unbroken partnership of 98 from 72 balls with Skyler Nakayama-Cook (22* from 33).

Striking ten boundaries and a six which moved him onto 99 in the penultimate over, Kobayashi-Doggett brought up his second century for Japan from just 70 balls and finished unbeaten on 106 from 73 as he helped the team post 278 for seven from their 50 overs.

The Japanese bowlers took the momentum of that partnership into the second innings, Kato-Stafford striking twice in his first three overs and Charlie Hara-Hinze in his first over as well to have Qatar reeling at 20 for three inside five overs.

While there was some resistance in the middle order, the introductions of Aaryan Waduge (four for 13) and Gabby Hara-Hinze (two for 15) sparked a collapse of five wickets for just ten runs in 22 balls. The final pair managed to hang around for 6.3 overs but Japan eventually bowled Qatar out for 95 in the 29th over to secure a win by 183 runs.

The result means Japan finish second in their group and will not advance to the Semi-Finals. The team will instead stay on in UAE for some additional training and a practice match against a local side as they continue preparations for the Under 19 World Cup in January.

The team wish to thank everyone for their support during this campaign.

Match Schedule

  • 21st November (Friday) PM2:00 – Japan vs Maldives (Japan won by 366 runs)
  • 24th November (Monday) PM2:00 – Japan vs Oman (Oman won by 8 wickets)
  • 26th November (Wednesday) PM2:00 – Japan vs Qatar (Japan won by 183 runs)
  • 29th November (Saturday) PM2:00 – Semi Finals
  • 1st December (Monday) PM2:00 – Final and 3rd Place Play-Off

All times are Japan Standard Time. All matches are 50 Overs.

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Oman Too Good For Japan U19s

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The men’s Japan U19 team slipped to an eight wicket defeat at the hands of Oman in the ACC Premier Cup being contested in UAE.

Oman were on top from the start, winning the toss and choosing to bowl on a very different wicket to the batting friendly environment where Japan had played two days previously.

Kaisei Kobayashi-Doggett was the only Japanese batter able to find some fluency, striking 33 from 46 deliveries including four boundaries.

Some defiance from the lower order, particularly a last wicket partnership of 19* between Alex Watanabe-Dawson (17*) and Kai Wall (12*) helped lift the score to 172 for nine from the full 50 overs, and had Japan thinking it could be enough at the interval.

The Oman batters had other ideas, and came out determined to attack early. Rishab Gupta struck five boundaries in a 17-ball 26 before he was snagged by Charlie Hara-Hinze, but 78* from 89 balls by captain Jeet Shah was enough to lead his team to victory and make them strong favourites to make the semi-finals.

Japan will play their final group match against Qatar on Wednesday.

Match Schedule

  • 21st November (Friday) PM2:00 – Japan vs Maldives (Japan won by 366 runs)
  • 24th November (Monday) PM2:00 – Japan vs Oman (Oman won by 8 wickets)
  • 26th November (Wednesday) PM2:00 – Japan vs Qatar
  • 29th November (Saturday) PM2:00 – Semi Finals
  • 1st December (Monday) PM2:00 – Final and 3rd Place Play-Off

All times are Japan Standard Time. All matches are 50 Overs.

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Record Breaking Japan Defeat Maldives

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The Men’s Japan Under 19 team made a dream start to their ACC Premier Cup campaign in UAE with a near perfect performance against the Maldives which set multiple records.

Japan welcomed three players on debut, but it was their all time leading run-scorer, Nihar Parmar, who dominated proceedings and improved his already impressive record.

An opening partnership of 46 with debutant Taylor Waugh (11) showed positive signs, but it was the 141-run combination with Hugo Tani-Kelly (62 from 52 balls) which put Japan well on top.

Parmar batted through to the 39th over, eventually dismissed for a chanceless 156 from 132 balls – the second highest score by a Japan player following his own 160 earlier this year.

Monty Hara-Hinze, also on debut, kept momentum going with 67 from 50 balls while captain Kazuma Kato-Stafford hammered 59 from 33 balls to lift his team to 422 for seven – the highest score ever by a Japan team.

The result looked a foregone conclusion, and so it proved as the Japanese bowlers shared wickets around to quickly dismiss the Maldives for 56 to secure a win by 366 runs, another record in terms of winning margin.  The third debutant, Alex Watanabe-Dawson, collecting two wickets along with Tani-Kelly,

The team are next in action on Monday against Oman, who defeated Qatar in the other Group C match on Friday, with the winner taking a significant step towards the semi-finals.

Match Schedule

  • 21st November (Friday) PM2:00 – Japan vs Maldives (Japan won by 366 runs)
  • 24th November (Monday) PM2:00 – Japan vs Oman
  • 26th November (Wednesday) PM2:00 – Japan vs Qatar
  • 29th November (Saturday) PM2:00 – Semi Finals
  • 1st December (Monday) PM2:00 – Final and 3rd Place Play-Off

All times are Japan Standard Time. All matches are 50 Overs.

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Japan Team Chosen For U19 Premier Cup

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The Japan Team who will compete in the Asia Cricket Council Under 19 Premier Cup 2025, has been confirmed after the dates of the tournament were confirmed in early November.

The tournament will run from 19th November to the 1st December in the United Arab Emirates, with Nepal, UAE, Japan and Singapore the top four seeds.

The fourteen players will compete in a group against Maldives, Oman and Qatar with the team finishing top advancing into the Semi-Finals. The top three teams at the tournament will qualify for the 2025 Asia Cup, which is expected to run from 10-23 December.

The players chosen are:

  • Charles Hara-Hinze (Northern Suburbs Cricket Club)
  • Gabriel Hara-Hinze (Northern Suburbs Cricket Club)
  • Montgomery Hara-Hinze (Northern Suburbs Cricket Club)*
  • Kazuma Kato-Stafford (Akishima Aviators Cricket Club / Northern Suburbs Cricket Club) – Captain
  • Kaisei Kobayashi-Doggett (Randwick-Petersham Cricket Club)
  • Skyler Nakayama-Cook (Streatham Cricket Club)
  • Ryuki Ozeki (Sano Braves / Sano Cricket Club)
  • Nihar Parmar (Alpha Quashers Yokohama Cricket Club)
  • Chihaya Sekine (Sano Braves / Sano Cricket Club)
  • Hugo Tani-Kelly (Northern Suburbs Cricket Club)
  • Sandev Aaryan Waduge (Kawasaki Knight Riders)
  • Kai Wall (Barron River CC)
  • Alexander Watanabe-Dawson (Lions Cricket Club)*
  • Taylor Waugh (Northern Suburbs Cricket Club)*

*Selected for the first time

Match Schedule

  • 21st November (Friday) PM2:00 – Japan vs Maldives
  • 24th November (Monday) PM2:00 – Japan vs Oman
  • 26th November (Wednesday) PM2:00 – Japan vs Qatar
  • 29th November (Saturday) PM2:00 – Semi Finals
  • 1st December (Monday) PM2:00 – Final and 3rd Place Play-Off

All times are Japan Standard Time. All matches are 50 Overs.

All matches can be watched on the Asia Cricket Council YouTube Channel

Good luck boys!

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Chiba Sharks Win 2025 Japan Cricket League

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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. 

Chiba Sharks Win Japan Cup

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The Chiba Sharks are Japan Cup champions for the first time after defeating the Kobe Hawks in a nail-biting Japan Cup Final on Sunday October 19th at the Sano International Cricket Ground.

The Sharks posted a modest 133/9 in the final and the Hawks looked to be on track for the win before Timothy Moore (3/13) changed the course of the match by taking three quick wickets. Despite Salman Ul Haq’s fighting 59 not out, Muneeb Siddique (3/20) was able to close out the final over, the Sharks prevailing by just two runs.

Earlier in the day in the first semi final the Sharks had booked their place in the final with a convincing win over the Tokyo Falcons, revenge for their defeat in the East Kanto final, Nikhil Pol top-scoring with 57.

In the second semi final the Kobe Hawks recorded a narrow win against Nagoya Bengal Tigers by seven runs, Umair Zulfiqar top scoring with 38.

In the Shield Final, Tigers, still the top-ranked team in the Japan Cup rankings, had a comfortable seven wicket win against North Kanto Division 2 champions Sano Bears, Ranjith Mouli controlling the run chase with an unbeaten 57.

The Plate final featured the top two teams from North Kanto, with the Sultans of Japan recording a four wicket win against local rivals Saitama United, Adnan Noor claiming a hatrick for the Sultans to finish the first innings.

This year a record 80 teams competed in the Japan Cup across seven regions and it is expected that more teams will enter next year.

Final Standings

  • Japan Cup champions: Chiba Sharks
  • Japan Cup runners up: Kobe Hawks
  • 3rd place: Tokyo Falcons
  • 4th place: Nagoya Bengal Tigers
  • Shield winners (5th): Tigers
  • 6th place: Sano Bears
  • 7th place: Osaka Lions
  • 8th place: Serendib Leos
  • Plate winners (9th): Sultans of Japan
  • 10th place: Saitama United
  • 11th place: Sendai
  • 12th place: Shizuoka United

Award Winners

  • Japan Cup Finals MVP: Muhammad Safi (Sultans of Japan)
  • Japan Cup Finals Best Batter: Muhammad Safi (Sultans of Japan)
  • Japan Cup Finals Best Bowler: Basit Abbasi (Kobe Hawks)

Pakistan XI Win 2025 Embassy Cup

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The eighth edition of the Embassy Cup was won by the Pakistan XI following a full washout of the second day. The winners recorded impressive wins over the Sri Lanka XI in the morning (by 17 runs) and the Japan XI in the afternoon (by 16 runs) of day one putting them on top of the table. 

In Division Two the Bangladesh XI won the title for the first time in their history thanks to a comfortable win over the Australia/New Zealand XI (by seven wickets) followed by a nailbiting win over the Nepal XI in the afternoon (by four wickets), which proved decisive.

Despite the rain, the event, which was established to promote “a diverse society where various values and cultures coexist,” enabled visitors to enjoy international cuisine from trucks serving fish & chips, Indian and Sri Lankan curries, and other dishes.

For the first time, a Cricket Tea Party was also held in collaboration with “Galette & Biscuit,” a British pastry school based in Utsunomiya, offering guests a relaxed “Cricket with Tea” experience.

In addition, guests enjoyed cricket trial sessions inside the giant inflatable dome, dance performances by professional dancer Daikichi between matches, and songs by Caribbean singer Ann G after play had ended. Spectators, players, officials, and local high-school students from Sano all came together to create a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.

Also on the 25th, the City of Sano unveiled a new manhole-cover design created in collaboration with the popular manga Black Butler (TV anime “Boarding School Arc”), a project supported by the JCA.

Unveiling of the Black Butler collaboration manhole design (Left: Mr. Yutaka Kaneko, Mayor of Sano City | Right: Naoki Alex Miyaji, CEO of Japan Cricket Association)

 

In the late afternoon, ambassadors, embassy representatives, supporting organizations, the City of Sano, the “Cricket Town Sano Supporters Club,” and JCA partners gathered for a networking reception.

Mayor Kaneko and Mr. Sato, Executive Officer of Global Trust Networks (GTN), delivered speeches, followed by the player awards and a charity raffle, bringing the day to a close.

On Sunday, October 26th, continuous rain forced the cancellation of all cricket matches and related events, including the Tanuma Furusato Festival.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to everyone who supported the event — spectators, players, umpires, cricket officials, participating ambassadors and embassy representatives, partners, the Sano City Office, supporting organizations, and volunteers.

 

About GTN

With “Making Your Stay in Japan Great” as its vision, GTN has specialized in services for foreign nationals since its inception, providing housing assistance and comprehensive support for living in Japan. GTN offers services centered on its rent guarantor service, including real estate brokerage services, support for living and working in Japan, mobile phone services, credit card services, and more to support foreign nationals, especially those living in Japan. With 70% of its staff consisting of foreign nationals from approximately 20 different countries, GTN handles a variety of cases with an understanding of language and cultural differences.

  • Company name: Global Trust Networks Co., Ltd.
  • Location: Oak Ikebukuro Building 2nd Floor, 1-21-11 Higashi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
  • Representative: Representative Director and President Hiroyuki Goto
  • Business Description: Rent guarantor, real estate agency, lifestyle support business, telecommunications, human resources, credit card, etc. specialized for foreigners
  • URL: https://www.gtn.co.jp

JCA Official Social Media

Japan Conclude Campaign With Defeat To Oman

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The Men’s Japan National Team ended their qualification campaign for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with a nine-wicket defeat to hosts Oman.

Fortune has not favoured Japan at the toss, with the opposition winning for a fifth successive match and asking Japan to bat.

That ill fortune continued into the start of the batting innings with Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake dismissed through a questionable LBW decision.

The innings never really recovered, despite a late flurry from Ibrahim Takahashi (29 from 20 balls), as Japan ended 103 all out in 18.2 overs.

Oman were extremely cautious in the run chase, but ultimately made it home after 17 overs to ignite their celebrations at reaching a second World Cup in succession.

The team would like to extend their gratitude to all who have supported the team online, and a special thank you to the travelling supports who have attended every game.

 

Warm Up Matches:

Tournament Matches:

*Oman is 5 hours behind Japan

Super Six

Men’s National Team Partner

  • Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd.

Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (MKI) specialized in providing services and products related to ICT (information and communication technology). Partnering with various global ICT vendors and supporting more than 2,500 companies, MKI offers best-in-class solutions to customers.

Website: https://www.mki.co.jp/english/

JCA Official Social Media

UAE Take Final World Cup Place

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The Men’s Japan National Team were unable to match a powerful UAE side, who booked themselves the final place at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup alongside Nepal and Oman.

After winning the toss and choosing to bowl, the UAE made early inroads and only Esam Rahman, with 23 from 26 balls, was able to keep them at bay.

Japan were indebted to a stunning late show by Wataru Miyauchi, who struck a scintillating 45* from 32 balls including two towering sixes.

Miyauchi put on an unbroken partnership of 42 from 31 balls with Abdul Samad (11* from 13 balls) to lead Japan to 116 for nine after 20 overs.

The UAE batters came out with strong intent, and although Ibby Takahashi and Declan Suzuki were able to grab a wicket each, the UAE cantered home in the 13th over to win by eight wickets.

Japan will play a final match against hosts Oman tomorrow, at 10am local time, and will continue to show the progress they have made in this tournament while looking ahead to future challenges.

Warm Up Matches:

Tournament Matches:

*Oman is 5 hours behind Japan

Super Six

All tournament matches can be watched live on ICC.tv while matches can also be followed live on the JCA App. 

Men’s National Team Partner

  • Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd.

Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (MKI) specialized in providing services and products related to ICT (information and communication technology). Partnering with various global ICT vendors and supporting more than 2,500 companies, MKI offers best-in-class solutions to customers.

Website: https://www.mki.co.jp/english/

JCA Official Social Media

Qatar Edge Out Japan in Super Six Clash

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The Men’s Japan National Team lost a close encounter with Qatar in the Super Six stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier in Oman.

A defeat for Qatar would have ended their World Cup hopes, but now they sit level with Japan on two points, having played one game more.

After winning the toss and opting to bowl, the Qatar team were quickly celebrating the dismissal of the Japan captain in the first over.

One became two as Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake, recalled for the injured Sabaorish Ravichandran, fell in the third over leaving Japan 17 for two.

Esam Rahman held things together for Japan, firstly with Abhishek Anand (25 off 25 balls) and later Benjamin Ito-Davis (32 off 32) as he moved to his second half century of the tournament.

Rahman struck three sixes on his way to 60 not out from 47 balls, taking Japan to 139 for four from the 20 overs.

The second innings power-play was full of drama as both openers survived chances before being dismissed cheaply by Ibby Takahashi (two for 20).

Qatar also rebuilt as Shariq Munir made 41 from 27 and at 105 for four with five overs to go, looked in a good position.

Japan came charging back however, as Ito-Davis took two wickets in the 16th over to finish with three for 28, one being a superlative catch from Declan Suzuki.

Charlie Hara-Hinze took another in the 17th and suddenly Qatar needed 32 from the last three overs.

Ultimately however, it was Qatar, ranked 28th in the world, who had enough experience to squeeze home with three wickets, and two balls to spare.

Japan will go again tomorrow, knowing that wins against UAE and Oman (on Friday) could still be enough to secure a berth at the World Cup.

Warm Up Matches:

Tournament Matches:

*Oman is 5 hours behind Japan

Super Six

  • 12th October (Sunday) 19:30 Japan vs Samoa (Japan won by four runs)
  • 15th October (Wednesday) 10:00 Japan vs Qatar (Qatar won by 3 wickets)
  • 16th October (Thursday) 14:30 Japan vs UAE
  • 17th October (Friday) 10:00 Japan vs Oman

All tournament matches can be watched live on ICC.tv while matches can also be followed live on the JCA App. 

Men’s National Team Partner

  • Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd.

Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (MKI) specialized in providing services and products related to ICT (information and communication technology). Partnering with various global ICT vendors and supporting more than 2,500 companies, MKI offers best-in-class solutions to customers.

Website: https://www.mki.co.jp/english/

JCA Official Social Media