The anticipation continues in Women’s T20 Pentangular Series, with match number 7 between Japan and China, scheduled for the 6th of June 2025, at the Sano International Cricket Ground, starting at 6:00 AM Indian Standard Time (IST). Japan’s season opener was washed out due to rain and lost their subsequent game, while China has registered back-to-back wins after their campaign opener was washed out.
Japan have played 44 T20Is, winning 18 and losing 25, while China have played 43 T20Is, winning 19 matches and losing 23. Their most recent encounter was during the 2024 ACC Women’s East Asia Cup, where Japan secured a 19-run win over China. In that match, Japan posted 90 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in 20 overs, and reduced China to 71/8 (20).
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
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
Players to watch out:
Erika Oda
A veteran presence in Japan’s evolving cricket landscape, Erika Oda has been a pillar in the national side with 613 runs across 37 T20Is. Renowned for her composed right-handed batting, Oda has consistently contributed at the top of the batting order. Her highest score of 52* came in a commanding knock against Singapore with her sole T20I half-century to date reflecting her ability to anchor innings and stabilize pressure situations.
Ahilya Chandel
Emerging as one of Japan’s brightest talents, Ahilya Chandel has made her mark as a dependable all-rounder with 298 runs and 31 wickets from 33 T20Is, at a remarkable economy rate of 4.60, and is Japan’s all-time leading wicket-taker in Women’s T20Is. Chandel etched her name in history by claiming a rare double hat-trick against China during the 2024 ACC Women’s Premier Cup.
Ma Ruike
Ruike is an exceptional bowler in the bowling unit of China and in 15 WT20Is she has picked up 13 wickets. In her recent game against Philippines, she picked up 4 wickets conceding just a run in 3.1 overs and followed up with another four-fer. She is currently the leading wicket taker in the competition and plays a vital role in chipping in with the ball in crucial times.
Mengting Liu
A promising young spinner, Mengting Liu, bowls with great control, tight lines and length, and steps up with economical spells in the middle-overs. Liu alongside Ruike picked up 3/11 in their opening game, showcasing her bowling brilliance, and followed up with 3/4. She is the second highest wicket-taker in the pentangular series. In 27 WT20Is, she has picked up 48 wickets with best bowling spell of 4/1.
Pitch:
The Sano International Cricket Ground provides a balanced playing surface that aids both batters and bowlers. Known for being a high wicket-taking venue, the pitch tends to assist spinners particularly well during the middle-overs due to its dry nature and variable grip. At the same time, batters can benefit from the true bounce and quick outfield, allowing stroke-makers to score freely once set.
Weather:
The weather in Sano is expected to be warm and pleasant, with temperatures hovering around 29°C and humidity at 57%. The skies are forecast to remain mostly clear with the occasional appearance of light clouds, offering ideal conditions for cricket without the looming threat of rain.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Erika Oda, Ahilya Chandel, Xu Qian, Ma Ruike, Ayaka Kato Stafford, Gong Yuting, Kurumi Ota, Haruna Iwasaki, Mengting Liu, Erika Toguchi-Quinn
Match details:
Date – June 6, 2025
Time – 6:00 AM IST
Venue – Sano International Cricket Ground, Japan
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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