- May 10, 2025
JPN vs COK (Match – 4) – Highlights
In a thrilling encounter at the Sano International Cricket Ground on May 9, 2025, Japan recorded a commanding 34-run victory over the Cook Islands in the fourth match of the Japan Twenty20 Tri-Series. The star of the match was undoubtedly Japan’s Makoto Taniyama, who delivered a match-winning all-round performance with both bat and ball, guiding his team to a crucial win.
Batting first, Japan managed to post a modest total of 105 runs in 19.3 overs, thanks largely to a gritty knock by Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake, who scored 33 off 37 balls. Despite a slow start and the early dismissal of captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming for just 1 run, Yamamoto-Lake held the innings together while wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.
Japan’s top order failed to deliver, with Abhishek Anand, Benjamin Ito-Davis, and Sabaorish Ravichandran managing just 24 runs between them. The middle and lower order offered brief resistance—Charles Hinze (16) and Makoto Taniyama (10) added some crucial runs—but the team struggled to build partnerships.
The Cook Islands’ bowlers were impressive, especially Oscar Taylor, Cory Dickson, and Milton Kavana, all of whom bowled with discipline and regularly broke through the Japanese batting line-up. The Cook Islands were effective in containing the scoring rate and dismissed Japan just before the end of their quota.
Chasing 106, the Cook Islands suffered a horrific start, losing both openers Hayden Dickson and Thomas Parima for ducks in the first 13 balls of the innings. The early blows unsettled the batting order, and they never fully recovered. While Aue Parima (20 off 23) and Ma’ara Ave (16 off 31) tried to rebuild, the scoring rate remained well below the required rate.
As pressure mounted, the Japanese bowlers tightened their grip. Charles Hinze and Benjamin Ito-Davis delivered disciplined spells, taking 2 wickets each and conceding just 13 and 7 runs respectively. However, it was Makoto Taniyama who stole the show with an incredible spell of 4 wickets for 19 runs in 3.4 overs, including the final three dismissals. He made sure the Cook Islands were bowled out for just 71 runs in 18.4 overs by dismissing important lower-order batsmen like Ben Vakatini, Tiaki Wuatai, and Milton Kavana.
Makoto Taniyama was a standout performer not just with the ball but also in the field. In addition to his 4 wickets, he took two important catches and scored a quick 10 runs at the end of Japan’s innings—proving his value as a genuine all-rounder. His contributions earned him the Player of the Match award and were critical in Japan’s second win of the tri-series.
This 34-run win further strengthens Japan’s position in the T20 Tri-Series. Their ability to defend a modest total through disciplined bowling and sharp fielding underlines their growing competitiveness in international associate cricket. Makoto Taniyama’s performance is a promising sign for Japanese cricket as they aim for consistent performances on the global stage.
Japan vs Cook Islands Scoreboard
Japan – 105/10 (19.3)
Cook Islands – 71/10 (18.4)
Result – Japan won by 34 runs
Player of the match – Makoto Taniyama
Makoto Taniyama
JPN vs COK Playing XIs
Japan | Kendel Fleming (c), Wataru Miyauchi (wk), Kohei Kubota, Lachlan Lake, Abhishek Anand, Benjamin Ito Davis, Makoto Taniyama, Sabaorish Ravichandran, Charles Hinze, Declan Suzuki, Koji Hardgrave Abe |
Cook Islands | Ma’ara Ave (c), James Pickering (wk), Oscar Taylor, Liam Denny, Cory Dickson, Benjamin Vakatini, Thomas Parima, Tiaki Wuatai, Aue Parima, Hayden Dickson, 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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