- May 8, 2025
JPN vs THA (Match – 2) – Highlights
In a compelling exhibition of strategic acumen and all-around discipline, Japan dismantled Thailand by a commanding 61-run margin in the 2nd match of the Japan Twenty20 Tri-Series at Sano on May 8, 2025. The hosts showcased a masterclass in cohesive team cricket, spearheaded by the match-winning performance of Sabaorish Ravichandran, who was rightfully adjudicated as the Player of the Match for his invaluable contribution with both bat and ball.
Opting to bat first, Japan navigated through a testing surface and a disciplined Thai bowling attack to post a modest yet defendable total of 110 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs. Despite early setbacks, including the quick dismissal of Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake, the Japanese batters remained composed. The innings found stability through the resilience of Ravichandran, who anchored the middle overs with a composed 24 off 27 balls, striking three boundaries and a timely six to arrest the innings from collapse. His knock not only added crucial runs but also provided psychological ascendancy in a low-scoring contest.
Ibrahim Takahashi (12 off 9) and Shirai-Patmore (16 off 20) both made contributions that made sure Japan barely broke the three-figure barrier. Thailand’s bowlers were not without merit—Nopphon Senamontree’s incisive spell of 3 for 19 and Sorawat Desungnoen’s 2 for 32 momentarily placed Japan on the back foot. However, lapses in fielding and an inability to contain lower-order runs meant Thailand conceded momentum when it mattered most.
What followed was nothing short of a bowling masterclass from Japan. Their defense of 111 was clinical, precise, and suffocating. The tone was set early by Charles Hinze, whose parsimonious spell of 3 overs for just 6 runs included the key wicket of Mukesh Thakur. From that point onward, Thailand was systematically dismantled. Ravichandran, continuing his impactful evening, scalped two wickets for 11 runs in his 3 overs, spinning a web of deception and control that the Thai middle order failed to negotiate.
Equally laudable was Kazuma Kato-Stafford, whose 2 wickets in under an over sealed the final collapse. Benjamin Ito-Davis (3-0-7-1) and Ibrahim Takahashi (2-0-7-1) both maintained relentless pressure, executing tight lines and extracting just enough movement to ensure the Thai batters never settled.
Thailand’s chase was beset by misjudgments and poor shot selection. Akshay Kumar Yadav was the only batter to reach double digits with 14, while a flurry of wickets in the powerplay precipitated a collapse from which the visitors never recovered. Their innings folded for a paltry 49 in 14.5 overs—one of their lowest totals in T20 internationals.
This victory not only reinforces Japan’s growing stature in associate cricket but also underscores the importance of collective discipline and exploiting pressure in low-scoring games. The synergy between their experienced campaigners and emerging talents was evident, and if such cohesion is sustained, Japan could become a formidable force in regional cricket.
In the grand scheme of the tri-series, this triumph marks a significant psychological advantage for Japan. With Ravichandran’s all-round brilliance and a bowling unit firing in unison, the hosts have issued a clarion call to their rivals: underestimate us at your peril.
Japan vs Thailand Scoreboard
Japan – 110/9 (20.0)
Cook Islands – 49/10 (14.5)
Result – Japan won by 61 runs
Player of the match – Sabaorish Ravichandran
Sabaorish Ravichandran
JPN vs THA Playing XIs
Japan | Kendel Fleming (c), Shirai Patmore (wk), Kazumasa Takahashi, Benjamin Ito Davis, Kazuma Kato-Stafford, Ibrahim Takahashi, Sabaorish Ravichandran, Charles Hinze, Abdul Samad, Lachlan Lake, Shoma Slater. |
Thailand | Austin Lazarus (c), Akshaykumar Yadav (wk), Jandre Coetzee, Yodsak Saranonnakkun, Nitish Salekar, Nopphon Senamontree, Mukesh Thakur, Phanuphong Thongsa, Sarawut Maliwan, Chaloemwong Chatphaisan, Sorawat Desungnoen. |
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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