The Women’s T20 Pentangular Series 2025 in Japan commenced under overcast skies, with the opening day’s fixtures unfortunately abandoned due to persistent rain. As the tournament progresses, Day 2 presents campaign and clash of China and Philippines at the Sano International Cricket Ground.
China has played 41 WT20Is so far, winning 17 and losing 23. While, the budding team, Philippines have played 22 matches, winning 2 and losing 19. Both teams have undergone significant development, and this match offers a fresh chapter in their budding rivalry.
Squads:
China Women’s Cricket Team
Zi Mei, Peng Liangyu, Gong Yuting, Yan Zuying, Wei Haiting, Jiaping LI, Mingyue Zhu, Cai Yuzhi, Mengting Liu, Xu Qian, Wang Huiying, Ma Ruike, Wen Sinan, Xie Wenyan, Jing Yang, Zhang Yibing, Yang Shen
Philippines Women’s Cricket Team
Catherine Bagoisin, Riza Penalba, Alpha Arayan, Katie Donovan, April Saquilon, Arlyn Dacutan, Karri Keen, Jomae Masaya, Ma Luz mandia, Alex Smith, Jhon Andreano, Jona Eguid, Kyte Keen, Elyza Wall, Angela Busa, Ashley Miranda, Lolita Olagiure, Romela B Osabel, Joan Diosino-Badillo, Simranjeet Sirah, Jessica Medianesta, Reyven Castillo, Marica Taira, Amelia Valdez
Players to watch out:
Xu Qian
China’s leading wicket-taker in recent years, Qian has picked up 32 wickets with best bowling figures of 3/5 in 31 WT20Is. She was instrumental in the 2024 East Asia Cup, claiming 3/12 against Hong Kong, underlining her ability to deliver against stronger oppositions. She has also contributed 62 runs with the bat, making her a dependable lower-order option.
Jing Yang
A consistent performer for China, Jing Yang has been a mainstay in the team’s top order. In the December 2024 Quadrangular Series, she featured in all games for her side but didn’t step up with any significant contribution. In her WT20I career so far, she has featured in 18 matches adding 93 runs, her potential to anchor the innings and build partnerships is noteworthy.
Alex Smith
In 17-year-old all-rounder in 12 T20Is has accumulated 221 runs and also picked up 4 wickets. Her standout performance came in December 2024, where she scored a career-best 64 against Singapore in the second game of the bilateral T20I series. In her same campaign, she tallied 106 runs in four matches, including the highest of 64, showing her ability to anchor the innings and play impactful knocks.
Lolita Olagiure
An emerging player, Lolita has played 8 WT20Is scoring 18 runs and picking 9 wickets. Lolita continues her development as a key bowler for the Philippines after brief feature in 2024 Asia Qualifier but her inclusion in the squad suggests she brings valuable experience and skills to the team.
Pitch:
The Sano International Cricket Ground provides a fair contest between bat and ball. The wicket is known to be conducive for pace bowling early on, especially with moisture in the surface, while batters who settle in can make the most of the even bounce. Bowlers who stick to good lines tend to be rewarded here.
Weather:
Rain looms large over the proceedings in Sano, with the weather forecast predicting heavy showers and near-saturation humidity levels at 98%. With the temperature dipping to 18°C, match officials may have to remain on alert for interruptions.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Zi Mei, Jing Yang, Alex Smith, Katie Donovan, Xu Qian, Lolita Olagiure, Mengting Liu, Ma Ruike, Karri Keen, Angela Busa, Karri Keen
Match details:
Date – June 4, 2025
Time – 11:00 AM IST
Venue – Sano International Cricket Ground
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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