Japan vs Qatar: Thrilling Encounter at ICC Men's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025
The ICC Men's T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier 2025 witnessed an exciting Super Six stage match between Japan and Qatar, played at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman on October 15, 2025. Both teams came into the contest with strong ambitions to secure a vital win to boost their chances of qualifying for the global event.
Match Overview
Qatar won the toss and elected to field first, setting the stage for a battle between Japan's batting lineup and Qatar's bowling attack. Japan posted a competitive total, with their batting anchored by key performers including Abhishek Anand, Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming, and Ibrahim Takahashi.
Abhishek Anand led Japan's innings with a top score of 55 runs off 42 balls, including three fours and four sixes.
Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming contributed a valuable 35 runs from 31 deliveries.
Ibrahim Takahashi powered up the middle overs with a quick 30 off 14 balls.
Japan posted a total of 162 runs for 6 wickets in their 20 overs.
Bowling Highlights
Japan's bowling was effective in breaking partnerships and controlling runs, with Declan Suzuki being the standout performer:
Declan Suzuki claimed 3 wickets for 29 runs in 3.3 overs.
Charles Hinze supported with figures of 2 wickets for 22 runs in 4 overs.
Qatar's bowlers faced challenges as Japan's batsmen kept the scoreboard ticking throughout the innings.
Player Lineups
Japan Playing XI:
Abhishek Anand, Alexander Shirai-Patmore (wk), Benjamin Ito-Davis, Charlie Hinze, Declan Suzuki Mccomb, Esam Rahman, Ibrahim Takahashi, Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming (c), Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake, Makoto Taniyama, Shoma Slater
Qatar Playing XI:
Daniel Archer, Imal Liyanage (wk), Mirza Mohammed Baig (c), Muhaamad Asim, Muhammad Ikramullah, Muhammad Tanveer, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Owais Ahmed, Shahzaib Jamil Ahmed, Shariq Munir, Zubair Ali
Match Conditions and Context
The match took place at Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 2), Oman.
The ground has favored teams batting second in many matches during the tournament.
Weather on match day was clear with moderate humidity.
Expectations and Outcome
With Japan's strong batting depth and effective bowling lineup, they were slight favorites to clinch the match, aiming to maintain their winning form in the qualifier. Qatar, seeking to recover from previous back-to-back losses, aimed to put up a solid fight.
This match exemplified the growing competitiveness of cricket among emerging teams in Asia, reflecting the increasing global reach and popularity of the T20 format.