- May 13, 2025
JPN vs COK (1st T20I) – Highlights
Japan defeated the Cook Islands by 2 wickets in an exciting first Twenty20 International on May 13, 2025, after successfully chasing down a modest total of 105 runs with 13 balls left. The match, played in Sano, was an exciting contest that saw both teams fighting hard in challenging conditions.
Cook Islands, opting to bat first, found themselves in a tough spot right from the start. The opening batter was dismissed for a duck, falling to Abdul Samad in the very first over. This set the tone for their innings, with the team struggling to form meaningful partnerships. However, Thomas Parima and Aue Parima offered some resistance, adding 16 and 16 runs respectively. Thomas Parima’s knock came at a brisk pace, but he was dismissed at 42 runs in the 6th over. Aue Parima’s innings was more methodical, but he fell shortly after. The Cook Islands continued to lose wickets at regular intervals, with the middle order failing to take control of the game.
Even though Ma’ara Ave, the captain, led the Cook Islands in scoring with 24 runs, his efforts were insufficient to lift the team out of its rut. Other significant contributions came from James Pickering, who remained not out on 12 runs, and Paani Vailoa, who managed a quick-fire 7 runs off 4 balls. The Cook Islands were eventually bowled out for 104 in 20 overs, a total that was certainly underwhelming, given the circumstances. The Cook Islands batters struggled to score freely, and despite a few contributions, the total was far from competitive.
Sabaorish Ravichandran was the standout performer with the ball for Japan, taking an impressive 4 wickets for just 16 runs. His spell, including key dismissals such as the captain and other middle-order batters, was a defining factor in the Cook Islands’ collapse. Alongside Ravichandran, Benjamin Ito-Davis and Abdul Samad also played crucial roles, each taking a wicket. Japan’s bowlers were disciplined, never allowing the Cook Islands to get away with the game, keeping the run rate under control.
In response, Japan faced a few early setbacks in its chase. The opening pair was quickly dismissed for ducks, and Japan found themselves at 1/1 and then 1/2. Abhishek Anand’s quickfire 13 runs off 9 balls helped steady the ship for a while, but Japan continued to lose wickets. Sabaorish Ravichandran’s pivotal knock of 50 runs off 57 balls proved to be the backbone of Japan’s chase. His composed batting, including 7 boundaries but no sixes, was crucial in keeping Japan on track. Declan Suzuki and Wataru Miyauchi both contributed with 9 and 11 runs respectively, but Japan was still in danger, sitting at 80/7 after 12.2 overs.
However, Ravichandran’s steadying influence, combined with crucial cameos from Kazuma Kato-Stafford (5 not out) and Abdul Samad (2 not out), helped Japan to the target. Despite the loss of wickets, the required run rate was always manageable. Japan reached 107/8 in 17.5 overs, winning with 13 balls to spare.
Sabaorish Ravichandran was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance, scoring 50 runs and taking 4 wickets, an outstanding contribution that helped guide Japan to victory. His efforts with both bat and ball were instrumental in their success. The game was a testament to the importance of all-around performances in T20 cricket, where individual brilliance can make a significant difference. Japan’s win was built on a solid bowling effort and Ravichandran’s composure with the bat, while the Cook Islands’ inability to build partnerships in their innings proved costly.
Japan vs Cook Islands Scoreboard
Cook Islands – 104/8 (20.0)
Japan – 107/8 (17.5)
Result – Japan won by 2 wickets
Player of the match – Sabaorish Ravichandran
Sabaorish Ravichandran
JPN vs COK Playing XIs
Japan | Declan Suzuki (c), Wataru Miyauchi (wk), Abdul Samad, Ibrahim Takahashi, Koji Hardgrave Abe, Benjamin Ito Davis, Ryan Drake, Kazuma Kato-Stafford, Sabaorish Ravichandran, Lachlan Lake, Abhishek Anand |
Cook Islands | Ma’ara Ave (c), James Pickering (wk), Hayden Dickson, Thomas Parima, Aue Parima, Cory Dickson, Liam Denny, Tiaki Wuatai, Oscar Taylor, Paani Vaialo, Milton Kavana |
Disclaimer: These Match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.
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