The 2025 Women’s T20 Pentangular Series is all set to kick off tomorrow, on June 3, at the Sano International Cricket Ground, Japan, featuring an exciting double-header: Japan vs Women, followed by China vs Hong Kong. This tournament promises a week of competitive cricket among emerging Asian teams.
Japan women has played 43 matches, amassed 18 wins and lost 24. The team will enter the tournament with a balanced squad and blending experience. Notably, to date, Japan and Mongolia have faced off in only one T20I, which the former won comfortably. Japan posted 132/6 in their 20 overs and restricted Mongolia to 43/9, registering a big 89-run win. On the other hand, Mongolia women have struggled to leave an impact in international cricket, losing all 16 of their T20Is so far.
Squads:
Japan Women’s Cricket Team
Akari Kano, Seika Sumi, Erika Oda, Haruna Iwasaki, Hinase Goto, Ayaka Kato Stafford, Ahilya Chandel, Mai Yanagida, Meg Ogawa, Rino Morita, Kiyo Fujikawa, Erika Toguchi-Quinn, Elena Kusuda Nairn, Kurumi Ota, Nonoha Yasumoto, Ayumi Fujikawa, Shimako Kato
Mongolia Women’s Cricket Team
Myagmarzaya Batnasan, Enkhbold Khaliunaa, Batjargal Ichinkhorloo, Gansuk Anujin, Ganbold Urjindulam, Javzandulam Tugsjargal, Uugansuvd Bayarjavkhlan, Battsetseg Namuunzul, Unenchsetseg Batur, Odzaya Erdenebaatar, Oyunsuvd Amarjargal, Jargalsaikhan Erdenesuvd, Bat-Amgalan Bulganchimeg, Tsendsuren Ariuntsetseg, Battsogt Narangerel, Mendbayaar Enkhzul
Players to watch out:
Erika Oda
A seasoned batter with 613 runs in 36 T20Is, Oda is a prominent figure in Japanese cricket who has made significant contributions to the sport in a country where cricket is still emerging. Known for his right-handed batting style, she holds a single half-century with the highest score of 52 against Singapore. In her previous outing in October 2024, she managed scores of 20 and 16.
Ahilya Chandel
A promising all-rounder with 279 runs and 30 wickets in 32 T20Is, boasting an impressive economy rate of 4.58, Ahilya has a rare feat, a double hat-trick to her name, she achieved against China in 2024. Chandel didn’t have a very successful campaign during the team’s East Asia Cup outing in 2024, picking only a wicket and managing 32 runs. Nonetheless, she is one to keep an eye on.
Batjargal Ichinkhorloo
The top-order batter has added 96 runs in 16 T20Is, including the highest score of 32. She is yet to mark substantial contributions but is a reliable contributor and currently their leading run-scorer. Batjargal last featured in a Tri-Series in November 2024, scoring 17 runs and did not have a bowl. It’ll be watched if she manages to step up with the bat in this competition.
Odzaya Erdenebaatar
The all-rounder in 14 T20I appearances has added 59 runs and picked up 12 wickets with best bowling figures of 3/21 in her T20Is career. Odzaya picked up 4 wickets in as many outings during the team’s most recent campaign, the Women’s T20I Quadrangular series in China, and remains a key player figure.
Pitch:
The Sano International Cricket Ground offers a balanced surface, supporting both batters and bowlers and is recognized as a high wicket-taking pitch. Spinners often find grip on this track, while batters can capitalize on the true bounce.
Weather:
Sano will experience mild to warm temperatures ranging 24°C with 64% of humidity. With cloudy weather, rain interruptions are unlikely but passing showers could halt play.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Akari Kano, Myagmarzaya Batnasan, Erika Oda, Seika Sumi, Batjargal Ichinkhorloo, Ahilya Chandel, Rino Morita, Odzaya Erdenebaatar, Meg Ogawa, Kiyo Fujikawa, Battsetseg Namuunzul
Match details:
Date – June 3, 2025
Time – 6:00 AM IST
Venue – Sano International Cricket Ground
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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