History Made as Japan Defeat Tanzania for Maiden U19 World Cup Win

Posted by

The Men’s Japan Under 19 Team made history as they defeated Tanzania by nine wickets to secure a first ever victory at the Under 19 World Cup.

Tanzania won the toss and opted to bat, but would have been questioning that decision when Charlie Hara-Hinze sent Karim Kiseto back to the hutch for a second-ball duck.

Tanzania regrouped however, and benefitted from some good fortune as Acrey Hugo (55) and Ayaan Shariff (40) put on 79 for the second wicket.

That partnership was broken by captain Kazuma Kato-Stafford and Tanzania had to rebuild again, moving steadily to 109 for two at the 30-over mark.

It was the leg-spin of Nihar Parmar that then turned the game decisively in Japan’s favour, his double strike in the 33rd over sparked a surge of wickets for Japan as they completely destroyed the Tanzania middle and lower order, taking eight wickets for 13 runs in 38 balls, with Parmar finishing with Japan’s best World Cup figures of four for 30.

The outfield catching of the Hara-Hinze boys also caught the eye, with both Monty and Gabby safe under the high balls, and Charlie taking a screamer at point to remove the captain off the bowling of Nikhil Pol, who finished with three for 23.

With Tanzania all out for 131 in 38.3 overs, Japan knew they needed to bat sensibly to dispel the memories of the warm up contest between these two teams, and record an historic win at a World Cup.

Parmar came to the fore again, opening with Taylor Waugh for the first time at the tournament and putting on a flawless 122-run opening partnership to take the game away from Tanzania. Parmar completed a Player of the Match performance by registering his maiden half century at the World Cup, ending 53 not out, although a mix up towards the end meant Waugh was run out for 47.

It was left to Nikhil Pol to finish things off, crashing a six over point to bring up victory in style and spark celebrations in the crowd and the dugout.

Japan conclude their tournament with this win, and can look back proudly on three weeks of immense progress full of positive outcomes and landmark achievements.

The team and staff would like to thank all the supporters who made the long journey to Windhoek to cheer on the team, and the support of everyone back home and around the world for cheering the team on. This win is for everyone who has contributed to the rise of Japan Cricket.

Match Schedule

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

All matches will be available to watch on ICC TV and the JCA Social Media platforms will be active with plenty of content and behind the scenes clips – so be sure to follow closely!

JCA SNS:

Ireland Knock Japan Out of U19 World Cup

Posted by

The Men’s Japan National Team put on a monumental fight against Ireland at the Under 19 World Cup in Windhoek, Namibia, but ultimately came up short to be eliminated in the group stage.

Winning the toss and batting first multiple players made positive starts. Nihar Parmar (24) and Hugo Tani-Kelly (20) looked good to start but Ireland chipped away to have Japan in a spot of bother at 74 for four in the 20th over.

A strong partnership of 68 between Charlie Hara-Hinze (57) and captain Kazuma Kato-Stafford (24) brought Japan back into the contest, but Ireland seized initiative again to dismiss both as Japan slipped to 162 for seven in the 40th over.

The Irish had not counted on Gabby Hara-Hinze coming in at nine and completely shifting momentum as he walloped an entertaining 44 from just 29 balls, leading a 62-run partnership with Skyler Nakayama-Cook, who made a solid 30 from 37 balls.

A total of 247 for nine at the halfway mark put Japan firmly in the contest, but knowing they would have to bowl well to earn a first ever World Cup win.

Despite a gallant effort from captain Kato-Stafford (two for 42), and support from Timothy Moore (two for 30), Ireland squeezed home six wickets down with 12 balls to spare to book their place in the Super Six and leave Japan with a token game against Tanzania to round off the World Cup experience.

The game was also notable as Charlie Hara-Hinze picked up his 35th international wicket at Under 19 level, making him the leading wicket-taker of all time for the Men’s Japan Under 19 National Team.

Match Schedule

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

All matches will be available to watch on ICC TV and the JCA Social Media platforms will be active with plenty of content and behind the scenes clips – so be sure to follow closely!

JCA SNS:

 

Australia Defeat Improving Japan

Posted by

The men’s Japan Under 19 National team continued their arc of improvement in a fighting defeat to defending champions Australia at the U19 World Cup in Windhoek, Namibia.

Winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Nihar Parmar and Hugo Tani-Kelly recorded their third 50+ partnership against full member nations (following knocks against India and Sri Lanka).

A mixup led to the run out of Parmar for 33 from 67 balls, but Charlie Hara-Hinze came out with aggressive intent as the team moved to 100 for two at the end of the 24th over.

His dismissal for 24 off 22 balls sparked a collapse of four wickets for 13 runs, but Tani-Kelly stood firm and found an ally in Monty Hara-Hinze (29 from 51).

A partnership for the eighth wicket of 72 from 102 balls dragged the team towards 200, eventually finishing 201 for eight with Tani-Kelly again not out, this time finishing 79* from 135 balls.

Will Malajczuk came out all guns blazing, smashing a 51-ball century before falling to Nihar Parmar for 102.

Charlie Hara-Hinze then knocked over Steven Hogan to go level with Kiefer Yamamoto-Lake as the leading wicket-taker for the Japan Under 19s, before Australia passed the target with eight wickets to spare in the 30th over.

Japan are next in action on Thursday as they take on Ireland with the winner guaranteed a place in the next phase of the tournament.

Match Schedule

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

All matches will be available to watch on ICC TV and the JCA Social Media platforms will be active with plenty of content and behind the scenes clips – so be sure to follow closely!

JCA SNS:

 

Tani-Kelly Century Makes History at World Cup

Posted by

Hugo Tani-Kelly hit a remarkable 101* against Sri Lanka as Japan opened their campaign at the Under 19 World Cup in Windhoek Namibia.

Coming in at number three to face the third ball of the innings, Tani-Kelly was still standing at the end, reaching his century with just one ball remaining in the match to spark joyous scenes in the crowd and among his teammates.

The innings included six boundaries and one towering six into the hospitality suite as he recorded only the 16th century by an associate cricketer in eight editions of the Under 19 World Cup, and just the third by an associate player against a full member.

Earlier in the day Timothy Moore had helped Japan fight back to some degree, taking Japan’s best figures at a World Cup (three for 43 – all bowled) as Sri Lanka posted 387 for four from their 50 overs.

Despite the eventual loss by 203 runs, the day marks a significant milestone in the Japan cricket journey as a player stood up against a full member nation and showed the fight that the team had talked about before the tournament began.

Match Schedule

  • 10th January (Saturday) 16:30 – Japan vs Tanzania (Japan lost by 81 runs)
  • 13th January (Tuesday) 16:30 – Japan vs West Indies (Japan lost by 229 runs)
  • 17th January (Saturday) 16:30 – Japan vs Sri Lanka (Japan lost by 203 runs)
  • 20th January (Tuesday) 16:30 – Australia vs Japan 
  • 22nd January (Thursday) 16:30 – Ireland vs Japan 

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

All matches will be available to watch on ICC TV and the JCA Social Media platforms will be active with plenty of content and behind the scenes clips – so be sure to follow closely!

JCA SNS:

 

 

Under 19s Complete World Cup Warm Up Matches vs Tanzania & West Indies

Posted by

The Men’s U19 Japan National Team completed their World Cup preparations on Tuesday at the United Ground in Windhoek, Namibia.

After matches against Tanzania on Saturday 10th and West Indies on Tuesday 13th, the team will now have a handful of training sessions before taking on Sri Lanka in their opening game on Saturday 17th January.

Although the team, competing in the World Cup for just the second time, and first since 2020, were unable to win either match, there were lots of positives.

Chihaya Sekine and Taylor Waugh both showed lots of fight with the bat against the West Indies, while Nihar Parmar and Kai Wall impressed with the ball in both games.

The level of fielding has improved over the course of the five days of training and playing.

The squad will also be boosted by the arrival of Charlie Hara-Hinze, who arrives fresh from winning the Cricket Australia Under 17 National Championships with Queensland.

Coach Reo Sakurano Thomas said: “we are improving everyday we’re here and there are lots of good signs. We have our goals and feel we are moving in the right direction.”

He added there was significant excitement among the group about the tournament getting underway and appreciates all the support the team are receiving from back home and around the world.

Match Schedule

  • 10th January (Saturday) 16:30 – Japan vs Tanzania (Japan lost by 81 runs)
  • 13th January (Tuesday) 16:30 – Japan vs West Indies (Japan lost by 229 runs)
  • 17th January (Saturday) 16:30 – Japan vs Sri Lanka
  • 20th January (Tuesday) 16:30 – Australia vs Japan 
  • 22nd January (Thursday) 16:30 – Ireland vs Japan 

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

All matches will be available to watch on ICC TV and the JCA Social Media platforms will be active with plenty of content and behind the scenes clips – so be sure to follow closely!

JCA SNS:

Sri Lanka Cyclone Relief Fund – Appreciation and Further Support

Posted by

Following the natural disaster that struck Sri Lanka in late November, the JCA invited His Excellency Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinghe, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Japan, to attend the 2025 Japan Cricket Association (JCA) Annual Awards Ceremony held on December 6. 

In response to his remarks, the Japan Cricket Association called for donations from those in attendance at the ceremony and made a contribution to support Sri Lanka. We would like to once again express our sincere appreciation to everyone who generously supported this initiative at the venue.

While recovery and reconstruction efforts are currently underway in the affected areas, it is clear that long-term and sustained support will be required. We therefore respectfully ask for your continued assistance and consideration.

JCA and Sri Lanka have built a long-standing relationship through cricket, based on ongoing exchange and cooperation. In 2024, this relationship was further strengthened through the signing of a partnership agreement with Sri Lanka Cricket, the visit of the Sri Lanka Cricket President to Japan in May, and the invitation of a coach and a groundkeeper from Sri Lanka in October, deepening collaboration both in competition and through personal exchange.

Furthermore, during the Japan national team’s tour of Sri Lanka in August 2025, we received significant support and cooperation from local players, coaches, and officials. This experience once again reaffirmed the strong trust and friendship that have been built over time.

We remain deeply grateful for the support and goodwill we have received from the people of Sri Lanka, and we believe that now is the time to respond through action as they face these difficult circumstances. We kindly ask for your thoughtful consideration in extending further support to our valued friends in Sri Lanka.

For details regarding donations and remittance information, please refer to the information provided on the website of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Japan below.

 

＜Embassy of Sri Lanka in Japan | Information on Donations for Cyclone Disaster Relief＞

https://www.slembassyjapan.com/uploads/download/Notice_on_Donations.pdf 

＊For direct inquiries or other forms of support, please contact the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Japan.

Embassy of Sri Lanka in Japan

 

We sincerely appreciate your cooperation and support.

Japan Women’s SIXES

Posted by

Launched in 2025, this league aims to lower the barriers to participation in women’s cricket by offering a shorter, beginner-friendly hardball format. It is designed to grow participation, create more playing opportunities, and support new players as they transition into competitive cricket.

The league will run across the Kansai, Kanto, and Tohoku regions from April to November, with the Kanto region operating from August to October only. 

League Details

  • Team: 6 players per team 
  • Format: 10 over innings (90mins match), Hardball 
  • Equipment: Bring your own gear

How to express interest/register?

Individuals, teams, or schools interested in participating are requested to complete the Registration Form found HERE. This will help us plan the match schedules efficiently.

Deadline

  • Kansai: Saturday, January 31st
  • Tohoku: Wednesday, April1st 
  • Kanto: Sunday, May 31st

Point of Contact:

  • Kansai: y.sato@cricket.or.jp
  • Kanto and Tohoku: e.kusuda@cricket.or.jp

2026 Expression of Interest: Junior Female Cricket Tournament – U16 & U19 Divisions

Posted by

Following the success of the first Junior Female Tournaments, the Japan Cricket Association is excited to invite schools, clubs, teams, and individuals to express their interest in participating in the next Junior Female Tournaments in April 2026.

Both the Under 16 and Under 19 tournaments aim to provide young females with a competitive and supportive environment to develop their skills, gain match experience, and enjoy the spirit of cricket. 

These two tournaments will also act as trials for the formation of a female category in the Japan National Academy.

The Japan National Academy (Female), which will not have an age limit, will also be where the Women’s U19 Japan National Team will be selected from. It is hoped the Women’s U19 team will play its first matches in 2026.

We are aiming to fill a minimum of four teams in each event. 

Tournament Details:

  • Tournaments: U16 and U19
  • Dates: April 4 – 6 (U16s), April 9 – 12 (U19s)
  • Venue: Sano International Cricket Ground, Tochigi, Japan
  • Format: 20-over matches, hardball
  • Equipment: Bring your own gear (JCA can supplement if required)
  • Uniform: JCA will provide playing shirt, pants, cap
  • Cost: Free

How to Express Interest:

Individuals, teams, or schools interested in participating are requested to complete the Expression of Interest Form [https://forms.gle/Fw6bwbVYe71Dfebv7]. This will help us plan the match schedules efficiently. Deadline is Monday, February 2nd. 

Don’t miss the opportunity to give your young players a chance to play, learn, and grow in a supportive cricket environment.

*The events will take place on weekdays. Since this is part of a national trial the JCA can provide letters to assist with time away from school/university studies. 

Point of Contact

Japan Cricket Association
Female Cricket Coordinator
Elena Kusuda | e.kusuda@cricket.or.jp

2025 Japan Cricket Award Winners

Posted by

The 2025 Japan Cricket Association annual awards was held at the Mitsui Knowledge Industry (MKI) Higashi-Nakano Office in Tokyo on Saturday December 6th. The list of award winners for the 2025 season is below.
We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to everyone who kindly donated in support of our valued partner, Sri Lanka, following the unprecedented damage caused by the cyclone.
As we look ahead to 2026, cricket is scheduled to be included in the Asian Games in Aichi this September, making it a particularly significant year.
We extend our sincere wishes for your continued health and happiness, and kindly ask for your support in the year ahead.

 

 

 

 

 

H.E. Prof. Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinghe, Ambassador of Sri Lanka, at the venue

 

Japan Cricket Association Player of the Year (Men)

Winner: Sabaorish Ravichandran

Runner Up: Benjamin Ito-Davis

Third Place: Rashid Rafiq

Japan Cricket Association Player of the Year (Women)

Winner: Erika Toguchi-Quinn

Runner Up: Kurumi Ota

Third Place: Ahilya Chandel

Japan Premier League

Champions: East Kanto Sunrisers

MVP: Mitchell Jamieson (Sunrisers), 156 runs & 7 catches

Best Bowler: Abdul Samad (Chargers), 8 wickets @ 6.7

Best Batter: Jack Wood (Chargers), 159 runs @ 53.0

Women’s Japan Premier League

Champions: Mamushi

MVP: Malsha Shehani (Mamushi), 93 runs & 8 wickets

Best Bowler: Ayaka Kato-Stafford (Mamushi), 8 wickets @ 9.1

Best Batter: Erika Oda (Mamushi), 107 runs @ 35.7

Japan Cricket League – Division 1

Champions: Chiba Sharks CC

MVP: Benjamin Ito-Davis (Chiba Sharks), 341 runs & 12 wickets

Best Bowler: Ashish Jaiswal (Men In Blue), 24 wickets @ 12.9

Best Batter: Tsuyoshi Takada (Chiba Sharks), 316 runs @ 45.1

Japan Cricket League – Division 2

Champions: Tigers CC

MVP: Shailaj Lal (Tokyo Falcons), 214 runs & 19 wickets

Best Bowler: Aaryan Waduge (KKR), 17 wickets @ 7.3

Best Batter: Kuldeep Bisht (Tokyo Falcons), 433 runs @ 144.3

Japan Cricket League – Division 3

Champions: Kawasaki Knight Riders CC

MVP: Sriram Gnanasekaran (Tokyo Star Kings), 220 runs & 10 wickets

Best Bowler: Janitha Dilshan (KKR), 18 wickets @ 7.6

Best Batter: Madara Dolawatta (KKR), 280 runs @ 46.7

Japan Cricket League – Division 4

Champions: Tokyo Star Kings CC

MVP: Karmegam Jegatheeswaran (Tokyo Star Kings), 99 runs & 9 wickets

Best Bowler: Abhishek Kumar Singh (Tigers), 19 wickets @ 8.3

Best Batter: Manoj Mysore (Tigers), 168 runs @ 42.0

Japan Cricket League – T20

Champions: Max CC

MVP: Rashid Rafiq (Max), 136 runs & 13 wickets

Best Bowler: Dost Muhammad (Max), 11 wickets @ 3.6

Best Batter: Abhishek Anand (Tokyo Falcons), 148 runs @ 29.6

Japan Cricket League – T10

Champions: Sano CC

MVP: Benjamin Ito-Davis (Chiba Sharks), 98 runs & 4 wickets

Best Bowler: Reo Sakurano-Thomas (Sano), 4 wickets @ 3.5

Best Batter: Ghufran Mir (Chiba Sharks), 82 runs @ 27.3

Japan Cricket League – Umpires of the Year

Chris Thurgate & Natarajan Dhakshinamoorthy

Japan 40 Over Community Cup

Champions: Nagoya Bengal Tigers CC

MVP: Sajith Jiffry (Maverick CC Tokyo), 306 runs

Women’s Japan Cricket League

Champions: Kawasaki Knight Riders CC

MVP: Kurumi Ota (KKR), 82 runs & 3 wickets

Best Bowler: Haruka Yasue (Wyverns), 6 wickets @ 4.29

Best Batter: Haruna Iwasaki (Sendai Uni), 108 runs @ 36.5

Japan Cup National Finals

Champions: Chiba Sharks CC

MVP: Muhammad Safi (Sultans of Japan), 168 runs

Best Bowler: Basit Abbasi (Kobe Hawks), 8 wickets @ 10.1

Best Batter: Muhammad Safi (Sultans of Japan), 168 runs @ 56.0

Japan Cup T20 Regional Qualifiers

North Kanto Division 1 Champions: Saitama United CC. MVP: Rashid Rafiq (Sultans).

North Kanto Division 2 Champions: Sano Bears. MVP: Sharif Hossain (Saitama Lions).

North Kanto Division 3 Champions: Saitama Royals. MVP: Bikash Khadka (Saitama Royals).

East Kanto Division 1 Champions: Tokyo Falcons CC. MVP: Sanket Pandhari (Tokyo Falcons).

East Kanto Division 2 Champions: Peregrine Falcons. MVP: Kuldeep Bisht (Peregrine Falcons).

South Kanto Division 1 Champions: Tigers CC. MVP: Sabaorish Ravichandran (Tigers).

South Kanto Division 2 Champions: Tokyo Wombats CC. MVP: Arata Ueda (Keio Knights).

West Kanto Division 1 Champions: Serendib Leos. MVP: Hashan Muditha (Serendib Leos).

West Kanto Division 2 Champions: Fussa Giants. MVP: Sunil Jose (Fussa Giants).

Kansai Division 1 Champions: Osaka Lions CC. MVP: Subhan Abbasi Arshad (Kobe Hawks).

Kansai Division 2 Champions: Osaka Lion Cubs. MVP: Jisei Ando (Osaka Arakans).

Tokai Champions: Nagoya Bengal Tigers CC. MVP: Aakash Ghimire (Shizuoka United).

Tohoku Champions: Sendai CC. MVP: Kavindu Gayashan (Sendai).

Japan University League Finals (Champion’s Wicket)

Mens Champions: Chuo University

Womens Champions: Waseda University

Kanto University League (Men)

Champions: Waseda University

MVP: Daiki Goto (Chuo Uni), 90 runs & 4 wickets

Best Bowler: Aoto Okajima (Chuo Uni), 8 wickets @ 11.2

Best Batter: Sota Masuda (Waseda Uni), 89 runs @ 29.7

Kanto University League (Women)

Champions: Waseda University

MVP: Mayuko Sano (Waseda Uni), 99 runs & 7 wickets

Best Bowler: Kaori Shiratori (Waseda Uni), (6 wickets @ 5.6)

Best Batter: Haruka Yasue (Waseda Uni), 37 runs @ 12.3

Under 19 Japan Cricket League

Champions: Lions CC

MVP: Adil Khan (Tsukuba Rockets), 304 runs & 15 wickets

Best Bowler: Sam Robinson (Lions), 16 wickets @ 3.8

Best Batter: Timothy Moore (Lions), 288 runs @ 72.0

Under 15 Japan Cricket League

Champions: Tokyo Falcons CC

MVP: Jagrav Prabhu (Alpha Quashers), 149 runs & 13 wickets

Best Bowler: Kou Nakano (Sano Braves), 11 wickets @ 6.5

Best Batter: Abdul Wahab (Serendib), 137 runs @ 68.5

ICC “Long Service Award”

Yasuko Yoshinaka

 

Thank you to our Partners:

Platinum Partner

Men and Women’s National Team Partner
National Team Supplier

Railway Area Partner

Gold Partner

Partner

Tea Partner

Beer Partner

Press Release Partner

Junior Pathway and Sri Lanka Exchange Partner

 

Ruby Partner

Regional Revitalisation Partner

 

Fitness Partner

Supporter Club

City of Cricket Akishima Supporter Club
City of Cricket Sano Supporter Club

Under 19 World Cup Squad Announced

Posted by

The 15 players and six staff who will travel to Namibia for the 2026 Under 19 World Cup have been confirmed today. 

Head Coach Reo Sakurano-Thomas had some difficult decisions to make, with two players returning to the team which travelled to UAE for the recently completed ACC Premier Cup. 

Nikhil Pol and Timothy Moore return, while Kazuma Kato-Stafford retains the captaincy. 

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)
  • Timothy Moore (Lions Cricket Club / Chiba Sharks Cricket Club)
  • Skyler Nakayama-Cook (Streatham Cricket Club)
  • Ryuki Ozeki (Sano Braves / Sano Cricket Club)
  • Nihar Parmar (Alpha Quashers Yokohama Cricket Club)
  • Nikhil Pol (Tokyo Falcons / Chiba Sharks 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)
  • Taylor Waugh (Northern Suburbs Cricket Club)

＊The header photo was taken at the ACC Premier Cup in the UAE (Nov.).

 

Japan have been drawn in Group A of the tournament alongside defending champions Australia plus Sri Lanka and Ireland.

The team will depart for Africa on the 5th January with warm up matches against Tanzania and the West Indies scheduled for January 10th and 12th respectively. 

The management team will be led by Alan Curr as Team Manager while Men’s team captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming reprises his role of Assistant Coach as held at the 2020 World Cup and at the successful qualifier tournament earlier this year. 

  • Team Manager: Alan Curr
  • Head Coach: Reo Sakurano-Thomas
  • Assistant Coach: Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming
  • Consultant Coach: Duncan Harrison
  • Trainer: Hiromu Inoue
  • Social Media: Benjamin Ito-Davis

Match Schedule

  • 10th January (Saturday) 16:30 – Japan vs Tanzania
  • 13th January (Tuesday) 16:30 – Japan vs West Indies
  • 17th January (Saturday) 16:30 – Japan vs Sri Lanka
  • 20th January (Tuesday) 16:30 – Australia vs Japan 
  • 22nd January (Thursday) 16:30 – Ireland vs Japan 

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

All matches will be available to watch on ICC TV and the JCA Social Media platforms will be active with plenty of content and behind the scenes clips – so be sure to follow closely!

JCA SNS: