Japan registered a commanding 7-wicket victory over South Korea in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Region Qualifier B match, held at the Yeonhui Cricket Ground, Incheon, on September 29, 2024. A brilliant all-round performance from Sabaorish Ravichandran, who took 3/11 with the ball and chipped in with 10 runs, helped Japan comfortably chase down a modest target of 79 with 53 balls to spare.
Key Highlights:
- South Korea’s Batting Collapse: After electing to bat first, South Korea struggled to build any momentum and were bowled out for just 78 in 20 overs. Despite a valiant effort from *Aamir Lal (29 off 34)**, the Korean batters faltered against Japan’s disciplined bowling attack, with Sabaorish Ravichandran (3/11) leading the way.
- Japan’s Clinical Bowling Display: Ravichandran’s three-wicket haul, along with strong support from Charles Hinze (2/9) and Ibrahim Takahashi (2/21), decimated South Korea’s top and middle order, leaving them reeling at 25/5 at one stage.
- Swift Chase by Japan: In response, Japan chased down the target in 11.1 overs, with contributions from *Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming (28)**, Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake (17), and Ibrahim Takahashi (22 off 10) setting the foundation for a comfortable win.
Key Moments:
- Ravichandran’s Breakthrough: Sabaorish Ravichandran dismantled South Korea’s top order with early wickets, setting the tone for a dominant bowling performance by Japan.
- Aamir Lal’s Fighting Knock: Despite wickets tumbling around him, Aamir Lal held his ground, scoring a steady 29 off 34*. However, he lacked support from the other end.
- Japan’s Aggressive Start: Japan’s top-order batters ensured no hiccups in the chase, with aggressive cameos from Kadowaki-Fleming and Takahashi, who struck three boundaries to race Japan to victory.
Brief Scores:
South Korea: 78 all out in 20 overs (Aamir Lal 29*, Sabaorish Ravichandran 3/11, Charles Hinze 2/9)
Japan: 79/3 in 11.1 overs (Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming 28*, Ibrahim Takahashi 22, Aamir Lal 2/12)
Result: Japan won by 7 wickets with 53 balls remaining
Player of the Match: Sabaorish Ravichandran (Japan) – 3/11 & 10 runs
Japan’s emphatic victory showcased their dominance in the East Asia-Pacific Region Qualifier B. With a commanding performance from Sabaorish Ravichandran and valuable contributions from the rest of the team, Japan secured their win with ease, further strengthening their bid for qualification in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. South Korea, meanwhile, will need to regroup and improve their batting performances in upcoming matches.
