Cricket Match Highlights | Japan T20I Tri-Series 2025 (Final) – 11 May: Japan vs Thailand | Thailand Clinches Tri-Series Final with Thrilling Win Over Japan in Sano.

JPN vs THA (Final) – Highlights  

In a gripping finale of the Japan Twenty20 Tri-Series held at Sano on May 11, 2025, Thailand emerged victorious over hosts Japan by six wickets with just one ball to spare. The match was a low-scoring but tense affair, where disciplined bowling and a composed chase proved decisive for the Thai side.

Japan, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, posted a modest total of 106/8 in their allotted 20 overs. With a tough 38 off 43 balls, captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming took the lead and steadied the innings in the face of frequent wicket losses. Japan’s top and middle-order struggled significantly, with Abhishek Anand, Declan Suzuki, and Charles Hinze contributing just 5 runs collectively. A mini-revival came through Sabaorish Ravichandran, who struck a fluent 21 off 19 balls before being run out due to sharp fielding by Phanuphong Thongsa and Mukesh Thakur.

The tail showed some resistance with Shirai Patmore adding a brisk 14 and Makoto Taniyama staying unbeaten on 13. However, the Thai bowlers were relentless. Jandre Coetzee was the standout performer with the ball, taking 3 wickets for just 10 runs in his four overs. Thongsa also struck twice in the same over, removing Lake and Takahashi in successive balls to break Japan’s back during a crucial middle-over phase. Thailand’s tight bowling was complemented by an energetic fielding effort that kept the scoring in check.

Chasing 107, Thailand suffered an early hiccup as Chaloemwong Chatphaisan departed for a duck in the second over. Akshay Kumar Yadav, however, played a pivotal role with a well-paced 37 off 46 balls, holding one end and soaking up pressure. He was supported briefly by Sorawat Desungnoen (11) and Jandre Coetzee (14), but wickets at regular intervals kept Japan in the hunt.

The turning point came with the arrival of skipper Austin Lazarus, who displayed calm and authority under pressure. His unbeaten 39 off 29 balls, featuring two boundaries and two sixes, shifted the momentum decisively in Thailand’s favor. Mukesh Thakur played a crucial cameo at the end, sealing the win with 5 not out, as Thailand reached 109/4 in 19.5 overs.

With three wickets for twenty-five runs, Sabaorish Ravichandran spearheaded Japan’s impressive bowling effort. His variation and control troubled Thailand’s batters throughout the middle overs. Shoma Sugaya-Slater also chipped in with a key wicket, but the team ultimately lacked the penetration to defend the low total.

In conclusion, this final highlighted the growing competitiveness between emerging cricketing nations. Thailand’s victory was built on disciplined bowling, clutch batting performances, and tactical maturity. With players like Lazarus, Coetzee, and Yadav stepping up under pressure, Thailand’s triumph is a testament to their steady rise in international T20 cricket. The match exposed batting frailties for Japan but also revealed promising talents like Fleming and Ravichandran. Both teams will take valuable lessons as they prepare for future fixtures on the global stage.

Japan vs Thailand Scoreboard 

Japan – 106/8 (20.0)

Thailand  – 109/4 (19.5)

Result – Thailand won by 6 wickets 

JPN vs THA 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.