Cricket Match Highlights | Cook Islands tour of Japan, 2025  (2nd T20I) – 14 May: Japan vs Cook Islands | Kadowaki-Fleming Leads from the Front as Japan Clinch 42-Run Win Over Cook Islands in 2nd T20I.

JPN vs COK (2nd T20I) – Highlights  

In the second T20I between Japan and the Cook Islands, Japan registered a convincing 42-run victory to assert their dominance in the series. The match, held at Sano, was a balanced display of solid batting upfront, tight middle-over control, and effective bowling spells by Japan that exposed the Cook Islands’ weaknesses under scoreboard pressure.

Japan, batting first after winning the toss, posted a modest yet competitive total of 139/8 in their allotted 20 overs. The batting effort was largely anchored by captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming, who scored a composed 60 off 46 balls. His innings included seven boundaries and a six and came at a crucial time when wickets kept falling around him. Notably, his 50-run stand with Wataru Miyauchi (37* off 38) was the backbone of Japan’s innings. Miyauchi played the anchor role adeptly, ensuring that Japan batted out their full quota of overs despite an underwhelming start.

Japan’s top order faltered early with Koji Abe, Benjamin Ito-Davis, and Declan Suzuki all dismissed within the powerplay, scoring just 1, 1, and 5 respectively. The team was 29/3 by the sixth over, and the pressure was immense. But the innings recovered thanks to the captain’s leadership and Miyauchi’s support. Contributions from the lower-middle order were minimal, but 15 extras conceded by the Cook Islands—including 5 no-balls and 8 wides—helped push the total to a defendable score.

For the Cook Islands, the bowling was evenly spread with Cory Dickson, Hayden Dickson, and Oscar Taylor all picking up two wickets each. However, Aue Parima leaked 33 runs in his 4 overs and failed to apply pressure, an area where Japan capitalized, especially during the death overs.

In reply, the Cook Islands struggled to build any momentum. The innings began with a quick collapse; they were reduced to 19/3 inside the first three overs. Abdul Samad, playing his first match of the series, made a huge impact with the ball by dismissing both openers—Hayden Dickson (1) and Aue Parima (0)—early in his spell. His 2-for-8 from 2 overs set the tone for Japan’s defense.

Although Thomas Parima (25 off 14) and Cory Dickson (22 off 22) showed promise with brisk cameos, the rest of the batting lineup fell away under disciplined bowling. The middle-order batters failed to rotate strike or find boundaries, a critical shortcoming in a chase that demanded intent. Benjamin Ito-Davis stood out with the ball, taking 3 wickets for 21 runs in his 4-over spell, including key dismissals that halted any potential recovery. Charles Hinze and Sabaorish Ravichandran also contributed two wickets each, ensuring that Japan maintained a stranglehold.

From an analytical standpoint, the game was won in three phases by Japan: their middle-over batting recovery, exploiting Cook Islands’ poor bowling discipline, and relentless pressure with the ball. The Cook Islands’ batting lacked depth and adaptability, failing to chase a target that was challenging but not out of reach.

Overall, Japan’s team effort, tactical execution, and standout individual performances—especially from Kadowaki-Fleming, Ito-Davis, and Samad—secured a well-deserved victory, underlining their growing stature in associate cricket.

Japan vs Cook Islands Scoreboard 

Japan  – 139/8 (20.0)

Cook Islands – 97/10 (17.2)

Result – Japan won by 42 runs

JPN vs COK Playing XIs 

Disclaimer: These Match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.