2nd T20I: Japan Women vs Malaysia Women – Squads, Players to Watch, Live Streaming, Pitch Report

With both Japan and Malaysia utilizing this three-match bilateral fixture as vital preparation for the upcoming Asian Games, the second T20I at the Sano International Cricket Ground carries plenty of significance. Malaysia Women head into the match looking to assert their dominance as the higher-ranked side with a strong head-to-head edge over the hosts. Meanwhile, Japan Women are eager to capitalize on home advantage and prove they can stand toe-to-toe with established Asian opposition in front of their local supporters.

Squads:

Japan Women’s Cricket Team

Erika Oda, Haruna Iwasaki, Seika Sumi, Ahilya Chandel, Mai Yanagida, Shimako Kato, Akari Nishimura, Hinase Goto, Ayumi Fujikawa, Elena Kusuda-Nairn, Erika Toguchi-Quinn, Kurumi Ota, Nonoha Yasumoto

Malaysia Women’s Cricket Team

Elsa Hunter, Mas Elysa, Nazatul Hidayah Husna, Ainna Hashim, Amalin Sorfina, Mahirah Izzati, Nur Izzatul Syafiqa, Suabika, Aina Najwa, Wan Julia, Aisya Eleesa, Marsya, Nazwah, Nur Dania Syuhada

Players to watch out:

Mai Yanagida

Mai Yanagida has been a key pillar in the Japanese batting lineup between 2019 and 2026. Across 59 matches and 55 innings, she has amassed 760 runs with a highest score of 67, including three half-centuries. Operating with a strike rate of 76.30 and remaining unbeaten 9 times, her stability and ability to find the boundary—placing 68 fours and 3 sixes—make her a pivotal player for Japan.

Nonoha Yasumoto

Nonoha Yasumoto has established herself as a top strike bowler for Japan during her 2023–2026 career span. Playing 34 matches, she has bagged 32 wickets in 34 innings while bowling 107 overs with 9 maidens. She boasts a disciplined economy rate of 4.27 and an average of 14.28, featuring standout best bowling figures of 4/11 and two 4-wicket hauls.

Also Read: Japan's Ahilya Chandel trains with the Delhi Capitals as a net bowler

Winifred Duraisingam

A centerpiece of Malaysian women’s cricket from 2018 through 2026, Winifred Duraisingam has delivered impactful all-round performances. With the bat, she has scored 1468 runs across 99 innings in 101 matches, powered by four half-centuries and a high score of 73. With the ball, she has claimed 66 wickets in 86 bowling innings over 272.2 overs, operating at an economy rate of 5.54 and the best spell of 3/9.

Ainna Hamizah Hashim

Ainna Hamizah Hashim has been a mainstay in the bowling attack for Malaysia over her 107 matches between 2018 and 2026. She has taken 65 wickets in 95 innings, bowling 271.1 overs with 13 maidens to her credit. Holding a solid bowling average of 21.52 and an economy rate of 5.15, her defining performance remains a brilliant five-wicket haul with best figures of 5/4.

Pitch:

Located in Tochigi Prefecture, the pitch at Sano International Cricket Ground features a synthetic carpet laid over a hard concrete base. This setup delivers a true, consistent, and high bounce with rapid pace off the surface, allowing batters to play their shots with confidence. Without natural turf or cracks, pacers gain steady carry while spinners rely on subtle flight variations rather than sharp turn, typically making for high-tempo, balanced contests.

Weather:

Expect pleasant, mild conditions with mostly cloudy skies and temperatures hovering between 22°C and 24°C. Morning drizzle risk tapers off by early afternoon with a light breeze, keeping outfield conditions manageable and ensuring a smooth progression for match day.

Fantasy Playing XI:

Elsa Hunter, Mas Elysa, Nazatul Hidayah Husna, Ainna Hashim, Amalin Sorfina, Mahirah Izzati, Erika Oda, Haruna Iwasaki, Seika Sumi, Ahilya Chandel, Mai Yanagida

Also Read: Top 5 Highest Individual Scores by Sri Lanka Women in Women's T20I History