Cricket Match Prediction | Cook Islands tour of Japan 2025 | Japan vs Cook Islands | 2nd T20I | May 14 – Japan Set to Seal Series Victory in Decisive 2nd T20I Against Cook Islands.  

JPN vs COK Match Analysis

After a thrilling finish in the 1st T20I, where Japan narrowly edged out the Cook Islands, both teams will be eager to settle the series. The 2nd T20I of the Cook Islands tour of Japan 2025 is scheduled for May 15 at the Sano International Cricket Ground at 6:30 AM BST.  With momentum up for grabs, the Cook Islands will be determined to bounce back and level the series, while Japan aims to seal the win and take the series victory.

Japan must focus on stabilizing its top-order batting. While Ravichandran’s heroics were key, early wickets in the 1st T20I exposed vulnerabilities. Ensuring better partnerships will help JPN chase any target more comfortably. The Cook Islands’ top priority should be improving their batting depth. With regular wickets falling in the 1st T20I, building partnerships and increasing strike rates will be crucial for a competitive total for COK.

JPN vs COK Team Preview & Squads

Japan

Japan’s innings in the 1st T20I was a tale of resilience and recovery. Despite a disastrous start, losing four wickets for just 20 runs, they fought back with determination. Sabaorish Ravichandran played a match-winning knock, scoring 50 off 57 balls, holding the innings together with calm and composure. His partnership with Wataru Miyauchi (11 off 14) was crucial in stabilizing the innings. Japan’s lower order managed to scramble together the remaining runs, with Kazuma Kato-Stafford (5 off 3) and Abdul Samad (2 off 7) adding important runs, securing the target with 13 balls to spare.

Japan should prioritize a cautious start, ensuring top-order stability. Sabaorish Ravichandran should anchor the innings, rotating strike, and building partnerships. Abhishek Anand and Benjamin Ito-Davis can look to accelerate in the middle overs, avoiding early wickets to set a solid platform for the lower order.

Japan’s bowling attack should focus on early breakthroughs and containing the Cook Islands’ top order. Sabaorish Ravichandran and Abdul Samad should continue their successful roles, using variations to build pressure. Tight lines and lengths from Ito-Davis and Takahashi will be key to restricting the run rate.

Japan Squads 

Japan

Wataru Miyauchi, Koji Hardgrave Abe, Abdul Samad, Kazuma Kato-Stafford, Benjamin Ito Davis, Ibrahim Takahashi, Shoma Slater, Kiefer Yamamoto-Lake, Declan Suzuki, Lachlan Lake, Abhishek Anand, Kendel Fleming, Charles Hinze, Makoto Taniyama, Kazumasa Takahashi, Sabaorish Ravichandran, Ryan Drake

Cook Islands

The Cook Islands’ innings in the 1st T20I was a challenging one, as they struggled to build any significant partnerships. After losing an early wicket, Thomas Parima (16 off 14) and Aue Parima (16 off 20) tried to stabilize the innings but couldn’t accelerate. Ma’ara Ave top-scored with 24, but the middle order crumbled under pressure. Cory Dickson (7 off 16) and Liam Denny (5 off 9) failed to capitalize, while Milton Kavana and Oscar Taylor were dismissed cheaply. The Cook Islands finished with 104/8 in their allotted 20 overs, unable to find a significant partnership or accelerate during the middle overs.  

The Cook Islands should focus on a steady start, with Ma’ara Ave anchoring the innings and providing stability. Aue Parima and Hayden Dickson should aim to rotate strike and capitalize on any loose deliveries to avoid early collapses.

The Cook Islands should prioritize a controlled and disciplined bowling approach right from the outset. Ma’ara Ave and Milton Kavana should spearhead the attack, aiming for early wickets. The focus must be on adapting to the conditions, keeping pressure on the batsmen, and limiting Japan’s run-scoring opportunities.

Cook Islands Squads 

Cook Islands

Cameron Thorp, Tiaki Wuatai, Hayden Dickson, Thomas Parima, Ma’ara Ave, Milton Kavana, Liam Denny, Cory Dickson, Paani Vaialo, Tomakanute Ritawa, Benjamin Vakatini, Oscar Taylor, Pita Ravarua, Jared Tutty, Aue Parima, James Pickering      

Japan vs Cook Islands outfield report 

Sano International Cricket Ground, Sano, Kanto

The team winning the toss will likely opt to bat first, as the pitch may offer slight assistance to the bowlers early on, especially in the first few overs. A good total will always put pressure on the chasing side. The weather in Sano in mid-May typically has pleasant conditions with clear skies and temperatures around 20-25°C. The forecast may show some cloud cover, but no major interruptions are expected, ensuring a full 20-over match.

Sano International Cricket Ground usually features a balanced pitch that offers something for both the batsmen and bowlers. Early on, there may be some movement for fast bowlers, while spinners will come into play during the latter overs. Expect a medium-paced pitch with decent carry and bounce.

Japan vs Cook Islands Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches 

Japan emerged victorious in two of their most recent encounters, while one was abandoned.

Japan vs the Cook Islands Prediction 

Cricket analysts predict that Japan has a 52% chance of winning.

Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.