JCL Round Nine Report: Tigers Fighting For Semis

Posted by

Ravichandran – Back on form

Tigers CC have often burned brightly only to fade at the key stage of the season. Comfortably top in 2018, only to crash out in the Semi-Final is a vivid example. This time around they are aiming to time their run slightly better. 

Success has often been centered around the form of Sabaorish Ravichandran, who up until Round Nine had failed to pass fifty this season and so the Tigers sat fifth in the league and in danger of missing the semis altogether. That all changed against Tokyo Falcons. 

Ravichandran struck the highest score of the season, 125 from just 76 deliveries, in a vital partnership of 124 with Kushal Kamat (42), as the Tigers became the first team to pass 300 in JCL Division One this year. 

A total of 312/7 could have been worse were it not for Karthik Naig grabbing 4/52 for the Falcons, but the season really is starting to lurch from one nightmare result to another for the 2018 Division Two Champions.

Tigers were rampant in defending their total and indebted to Piyush Kumbhare whose mystery spin tore the Falcons apart. Nobody had taken a five-wicket haul since week one, but Kumbhare bagged 6/18 to more than double his tally for the season. 

It was a bonus point win for the Tigers as they rolled Falcons over for just 91 inside 18 overs for a massive 221-run win. That win puts them three points off the teams placed second-fourth, and with several playing each other in Round 10 the semi berths are very much up for grabs. The Tigers vs Alpha Quashers contest in Round Ten has now taken on seismic importance for both clubs.

The Men In Blue have fared considerably better than the Falcons in their debut season in Division One. Up against a Wyverns team who fancied their chances, the MIB threw a huge spanner into the works and earned their third win in the division. 

Sarfraz Petkar has taken to life in the top flight without fuss, and smashed a typically robust 87 from 51 deliveries after moving up to bat at number four in the MIB order. His innings, supplemented by a handy 31-run partnership in the last three overs between Hitesh Akabari (26*) and Vikash Ranjan (18* from nine balls), took MIB to 228/8 which was certainly competitive. 

Raheel Kano moved to joint third in the wicket-taker list for the season, his 3/40 taking him to 17 scalps for the season, but the captaincy seems to have weighed heavy on his batting with a top score of just 18. His golden duck in this innings only compounding the issue. 

Ashish Jaiswal finished with the best figures for Men in Blue, his 4/36 taking out the Wyverns middle order after Takuya Ono (32) and Buddika Nanayakkara (36) had shown some fight. All out for just 155 and a win for MIB by 73-runs, Wyverns have to face the Chiba Sharks in Round Ten who they are now level on points with.

A saving grace for Wyverns is their Net Run Rate, something the Sharks are a little more concerned

Taniyama – Driving the MAX bus on

about, especially after they were dispatched with minimal fuss by MAX CC, who confirmed their semi berth in the process.  

After a 56-run opening stand for the Sharks between Dhugal Bedingfield (34) and Neel Date (22), the Sharks quickly fell away to the spin of Vinay Iyer (4/15) and Makoto Taniyama (4/24). MAX took all ten Sharks wickets for just 132 and Taniyama and co made short work of the run chase. 

Opening the batting Taniyama struck his highest score of the season, 56*, supported again by Iyer with 35, as an eight-wicket bonus point win was earned after 20 overs to take the defending champions eight points clear at the top of the table. 

Chaturvedi – Young Gun

 

After defeats in their last two matches the Alpha Quashers responded against a depleted Tokyo Wombats. Stalwart Srinivasa Pedada hit 89 as AQCC posted their highest score of the season, boosted by an astounded 23-ball 50* by Raman Tanwar. 

A total of 268/8 looked imposing enough for Wombats and, without their top runs scorers Bracefield and Patmore, they never came close. Only two players made double figures as Tushar Chaturvedi grabbed career best figures of 4/9 to earn a crushing win by 197 runs and gave AQCC a bonus point that took them level with Sharks and Wyverns on 24 points for the season.

Friday 9th August 2019, 17:00

Posted by

Sano 1

Outfield: short,dry. Pitch: good

Sano 2

Outfield: long,dry. Pitch: good

Sano 3

Outfield: short,dry. Pitch: good

Sano 4

Outfield: short,dry. Pitch: good

SICG 1

Outfield:  short,dry . Pitch: good. JCA  staff will open the gate both days.

SICG 2

Outfield:  short,dry . Pitch: good. JCA  staff will open the gate both days.

Notes

Be careful about Thunder and high temperature.

Runs Aplenty in First Ever Womens J-Bash

Posted by

The inaugural Womens J Bash was launched at the BST Nagasawa Ground in Kawasaki on Saturday August 3rd.

The Pandas, Panthers, Pelicans and Penguins brought plenty of colour, excitement, wickets and boundaries to match day one of Japan’s newest womens T20 competition.

Match one took place in the sweltering afternoon heat, Mai Yanagida’s Panthers winning the toss and batting first.

Yanagida formed a 93 run partnership with Akari Kano, the pair helping the Panthers to a formidable 143/8 off their 20 overs.

Pandas captain Nao Tokizawa led her team from the front, claiming 3/10 off her four overs.

In reply, the left-handed Pandas pairing of Ema Kuribayashi and Akari Kitayama put on a 77 run partnership, giving their team a chance of victory.

However, a crucial run out by teenage pace bowler Ruan Kanai followed by two quick wickets ended the partnership, and with it the Pandas chances of winning the match.

The Panthers finished nine run winners in the first ever J Bash match, Yanagida securing the MVP award for her 53 runs.

Match two was played in cooler conditions under lights and there was even more action with the Pelicans choosing to bat first against the Penguins.

Left-hand batting sensation Ayaka Kanada was the star for the Pelicans, anchoring the innings with a superb 89 not out off 67 balls, including 10 boundaries and three sixes.

She was ably supported by Rio Endo who made 34, the two putting on 103 for the first wicket.

The Pelicans score of 157/5 looked fairly insurmountable but the Penguins were not done with yet and launched into their innings with intent.

Early wickets fell but Miho Kanno was able to forge a steadying partnership with Miku Okawa in the middle overs, bringing the Penguins within sight of an unlikely win.

When Okawa was dismissed Kanno decided to take matters into her own hands, unleashing a series of boundaries and sixes on her way to a dazzling 90 not out off just 47 balls.

In the end the Penguins won the match with three and a half overs to spare, Kanno deservedly winning the MVP.

The J Bash continues on September 8th at the BST Nagasawa ground and spectators are very welcome to attend.

Click here for further details.

 

JPL: Hurricanes Destroy Lions in Sano

Posted by

The West Kanto Hurricanes have had the perfect start to their Japan Premier League campaign by defeating the North Kanto Lions in both matches of their opening round double-header in Sano on Sunday.

Batting first the Hurricanes were in early trouble when Lions fast bowler Salman Khan (3/12) bowled Makoto Taniyama in the second over. 

A steady partnership from Wataru Miyauchi and Raheel Kano eased the pressure for the Hurricanes but some tight bowling from Lions captain Prabath Dhanushka helped restrict the Hurricanes scoring.

All out in the last over for 107, few gave the Hurricanes much chance of winning.

However, a feisty opening spell of bowling from veteran Takuro Hagihara (1/10) made scoring difficult for the Lions.

When the spinners came on things went from bad to worse for the Lions, Taniyama (4/14) and Kano (3/21) carving a hole in the Lions middle order.

Dhanushka (34 runs) held his bat through most of the innings but when he eventually fell to Kano the Lions were all out soon after for just 82.

Kano was named man of the match for his all round performance.

Raheel Kano receives the MVP award

In match two the Lions were sent in to bat and again found scoring difficult on a trickey SICG pitch.

Hagihara (3/8) continued his good form with the ball, claiming two early wickets.

At no point during the innings were the Lions able to sustain a partnership of any substance but debutant former pro-baseballer Musashi Yamamoto at least provided one highlight with a towering six during his cameo innings.

Bebe Miyaji’s off spin proved particularly effective, claiming three wickets, as the Lions were bowled out for just 95.

In reply the Hurricanes were in early trouble at 29/4, thanks largely to a fiery opening spell from paceman Sameera Pathum (4/13). 

Another ex-pro baseballer Shogo Kimura attempted to hit his team out of trouble with an entertaining 19 off just 8 balls before falling to Pathum.

Hurricanes captain Ota

As the pitch settled down Nozomi Tomizawa and captain Tomoki Ota comined for a calming 49 run partnership, the Hurricanes reaching the target seven wickets down with an over to spare.

Tomizawa was awarded the man of the match, continuing his fine recent form across all formats.

The wins take the Hurricanes level on points in the JPL with surprise table toppers East Kanto Sunrisers.

The JPL resumes on September 1st at the Sano International Cricket Ground when the Hurricanes take on last years champions South Kanto Super Kings.

As always, entry is free so come along and enjoy the action.

Women’s Team For East Asia Cup Announced

Posted by

The JCA is pleased to announce that the following 14 players have been selected to represent Japan in the East Asia Cup which is being held in Korea this September.

  • Rio Endo  (Wyverns Cricket Club)
  • Kiyo Fujikawa (Sano Braves)
  • Ayaka Kanada (Adore Cricket Club)
  • Ruan Kanai (Sano Braves)
  • Miho Kanno (Adore Cricket Club)
  • Akari Kano (Sendai University)
  • Akari Kitayama (Wyverns Cricket Club)
  • Shizuka Miyaji  (Fuji Far East Cricket Club)
  • Kasumi Nanno (Uenomiya Cricket Club)
  • Erika Oda (Adore Cricket Club)
  • Madoka Shiraishi  (Wyverns Cricket Club)
  • Kotone Taniguchi (Uenomiya Cricket Club)
  • Nao Tokizawa (Keio University Cricket Club)
  • Mai Yanagida  (Wyverns Cricket Club) – Captain

The coach for the tournament will be Dean Russ from Cricket Victoria, while Yukiko Thurgate will again travel as Manager and Shuichi Okawa will travel as physio.

Chairman of Selectors Christ Thurgate said: “The girls have been working hard this year and after finishing as runner up two years ago will be looking forward to competing in the East Asia Cup again. It has become a key tournament in the Japan Cricket Schedule.

The tournament will take place from September 19th – 22nd and updates will be posted on the JCA website and social media sites.

JCL Round Eight Report: MAX March on and Alpha’s Quashed

Posted by

Wyverns return to form of late has propelled them to second in the table and seven points clear of fifth place. 

Wyverns – Aiming for the semi finals

Their most recent victory came over the Alpha Quashers of Yokohama, whom they dismantled thanks to low order run-scoring and early wicket-taking from Nozomi Tomizawa, who is enjoying a golden season after his move away from the Chiba Sharks. 

The Quashers opening bowlers had Wyverns 31/3 early on as Raman Tanwar (4/35) ran amok, but Shogo Kimura (34) and Tomizawa (48) repaired the damage to post a worthy 198 all out. 

Tomizawa was then one of a trio Wyverns bowlers to grab three wickets as he took 3/29, including the dangerous Rohit Kesari for a low score and top scorer Nilesh Kanugo for 31. 

Spinners Raheel Kano (3/21) and Bebe Miyaji (3/14) finished things off for Wyverns who dismissed the Quashers for 119 inside 27 overs to win by 79 runs and earn what could prove a crucial bonus point. 

Wyverns have the other two teams in the top three yet to play, while the Quashers seem to have an easier run in. 

Sharks – Hunting

Chiba Sharks remain very much in the hunt as they sit third, level on points with Wyverns and now with a four point lead over the Quashers in fourth. Their latest victory was a simple cruise against the winless Tokyo Falcons. 

The Falcons batted first and struggled to 131 all out in 37 overs. The tight lines of the Sharks bowlers yielded few rewards initially as Fenil Desai (37) threatened to post some sort of total for his team, but the introduction of Mahesh “Mystery” Kumar brought significant success. 

Bedingfield – Unbeaten Half Century

Kumar grabbed 4/16, and Kendel Fleming chipped in with 3/15 as the Falcons crumbled and Sharks celebrated. 

The chase was a fairly simple affair after the loss of an early wicket. Dhugal Bedingfield grabbed another half century (54*) at better than a run a ball, while Fleming (41) joined him in a stand of 87 to break the back of the chase. 

Arata Ueda made 21* from just ten balls to take the Sharks home by eight wickets inside 20 overs, and with matches against MAX and Wyverns to come they will be grateful for the bonus point earned here. 

MAX remain top four points clear at the top as their season rolls on unabated. Batting first against the Men in Blue they had runs all down the order on their way to 203/7 in their 40 overs. Makoto Taniyama set the tone at the top with 37 while the in-form Ali Raza top scored with 43. 

MAX CC – Cruising

Ashish Jaiswal picked up 3/37 but with only five bowling options Men in Blue struggled to take wickets regularly. 

MAX then struck early in the chase, the evergreen Takuro Hagihara (2/8) doing so in his first over before Taniyama’s leg-spinners ripped through the middle. His 3/21 included the scalp of Sarfraz Petkar, who was typically defiant with a flamboyant 50 from 48. This brought respectability to the scoreboard but one questions why the leagues fourth highest run-scorer was batting so low at number six. 

It was not enough however, as MAX dismissed Men in Blue for 158 to win by a comfortable 45 runs and all but secure their spot in the semi finals. 

The team sweating most about the play-offs will be the Tigers. Their match against the Tokyo Wombats was rained off without a ball bowled and they have matches against two of the teams below them still to go, the clash with Alpha Quashers in Round Ten could be seismic.

Women’s J-Bash Starting This Weekend!

Posted by

The inaugural J-Bash will commence this weekend as four teams aim to become the first ever Champions.

The teams and their captains were announced at the launch earlier in the month and are as follows:

The Panthers

Captain – Mai Yanagida

Colours – Pink

 

 

The Penguins

Captain – Erika Oda

Colours – Blue

 

 

The Pelicans

Captain – Rio Endo

Colours – Purple

 

 

 

 

The Pandas

Captain – Nao Tokizawa

Colours – Yellow

 

 

Match Day One will take place at the Nagasawa Sports Ground in Kawasaki where spectators are welcome to attend. The match schedule is as follows:

13:15 – Panthers vs Pandas

16:45 – Penguins vs Pelicans

The J-Bash has been created to inspire more women to play cricket in a fun and exciting environment.

Under 19 World Cup Thank You Party Held in Tokyo!

Posted by

The JCA hosted a celebration at MIZU cafe PRODUCED BY Cleansui in Tokyo on Wednesday the 24th of July to mark the achievement of the Under 19 team qualifying for the Under 19 World Cup.

Captain Marcus Thurgate, who was also named Best Batsman and Player of the Tournament at the EAP Qualifier, said “We owe this win to all the people at our clubs, communities and the JCA who supported the team. We will work hard towards the World Cup and would be really grateful to have your continued support”, on behalf of the team.

JCA Chairman Anthony Aram said “This is truly an achievement that we wouldn’t have thought possible even a year ago. It will be a first but significant step on the world stage for not just the players, but also for the volunteers, supporters, and staff. We are all fully behind the team that will be working towards this great challenge. I look forward to working with you all in “Building a Brighter Future” for Cricket in Japan. Go Japan!”.

Newly confirmed partners, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation and Acrodea, Inc, also congratulated the players who were gifted with Cleansui water purification tumblers. Smith Japan, who had supported the team through the qualifiers also gifted the players with a pair of SMITH sunglasses each.

We would like to publicly acknowledge the contribution of the wider cricket community, especially junior team coaches and managers, in developing cricket in Japan. Without their hard work this landmark moment for Japanese Cricket would never have happened. 

 

Friday 26th July 2019, 17:00

Posted by

Sano 1

Outfield: long,dry . Pitch: good.

Sano 2

Outfield: bit long,wet. Pitch: good.

Sano 3

Outfield: short,dry. Pitch: good

Sano 4

Outfield: short,dry. Pitch: good

SICG 1

Outfield:  short,dry . Pitch: good. JCA  staff will open the gate both days.

SICG 2

Outfield:  short,dry . Pitch: good. JCA  staff will open the gate both days.

Notes

Sano ground 1,s grass is bit long because of mowing machine,s trouble.

Sunrisers Stun Super Kings in JPL Season Opener

Posted by

The East Kanto Sunrisers have turned the Japan Premier League on its head by upsetting the South Kanto Super Kings in both matches at the Yokohama Country & Athletic Club on Sunday.

Last year’s champions, the Super Kings have had a monopoly on the JPL trophy while the Sunrisers have never finished above bottom. 

Ueda attempts a sweep on a tough day for batsmen

Super Kings captain Saborish Ravichandran won the toss and batted in the morning match but his side were soon in trouble thanks to some tight bowling from Rui Matsumura and Vikash Ranjan.

Ravichandran (46 runs) and Mohammed Anas combined for a steadying partnership but were unable to accelerate as the Sunrisers bowlers continued to apply pressure.

The off spin of Dhugal Bedingfield (2/19) proved to be very effective on the slow pitch and it took some late hitting from Nikhil Chhajed to bring the Super Kings to a score of 114/7 off their 20 overs.

Abhishek Telang and Japan international Kendel Fleming opened the batting for the Sunrisers and batted aggresively in the power play, scoring 55 runs for the loss of one wicket.

Ravichandran continued to fight for his team, bowling four tight overs, but the Sunrisers were able to comfortably complete the chase three wickets down in the 17th over.

Fleming was awarded the Player of the Match for his unbeaten 67, which included seven boundaries and three sixes.

The Super Kings aren’t used to losing so it was clear that a different approach would be necessary for game two.

Settling on a more aggressive approach, veterans Prashant Kale and Anton Winston were sent in to open the batting.

The pair launched into the Sunrisers attack, taking 55 off the power play before Winston fell for a quickfire 28. 

Kale continued the onslaught and when he was caught on the boundary for 43 at the end of the 12th over the Super Kings were in a commanding position at 92/2.

Takada hit the winning runs in game two with a 6 over square leg

However, they were unable to capitalise on their position, the Sunrisers bowlers fighting back with some clever bowling and the Super Kings struggling to score on the slowing pitch, eventually limping to 132/7 off their 20 overs.

The Sunrisers again decided that the power play was the best time to score runs and this time captain Hanif Khan joined Fleming to provide the fireworks, the pair taking 65 from the first seven overs of the innings.

The Super Kings were not done with yet though, tall paceman Chhajed charging in to take four wickets through the middle overs.

The Sunrisers have added to their batting depth in the off-season and it was two new signings Tsuyoshi Takada and Manish Kapil who steadied the ship, easing the Sunrisers to another comfortable win with an over to spare.

Chhajed and Fleming were named MVPs

A small consolation for the Super Kings was that Nikhil Chhajed was awarded the Player of the Match for his all round performance.

The Sunrisers unexpectedly sit at the top of the table while the Super Kings are sure to come out firing in round two.

The Japan Premier League continues this Sunday July 28th when the West Kanto Hurricanes travel to the Sano International Cricket Ground to take on the North Kanto Lions. 

Spectators are very welcome to attend and entrance is free.