Japan and the Philippines sealed dominant victories against China and Mongolia on the 4th day of the Pentangular Series 2025.
Japan, led by skipper Mai Yanagida, were up against the Philippines, led by skipper Katie Donovan, in the 9th match on the 5th day of the tournament. Mongolia, led by skipper Odzaya Erdenebaatar, were up against Hong Kong, led by skipper Natasha Miles, in the 10th Match, the double header game.
Ayumi Fujikawa and Erika Toguchi-Quinn dismantle the Philippines for Japan’s win
Contributions from the Japanese middle order, consisting of the likes of wicket-keeper batter Hinase Goto (12 off 25 balls), Ahilya Chandel (10 off 15 balls), and Ayumi Fujikawa (16* off 22 balls), and Erika Toguchi-Quinn (6 off 9 balls) took the team to a respectable total of 83/8 in their quota of 20 overs, after skipper Katie Donovan won the toss and inserted them to bat first.
Jhon Andreano (4-3-1-2), Alex Smith (4-0-14-2), and Karri Gullem Keen (4-0-18-1) were exceptional with the ball for the Philippines.
Chasing a target of 84, an exceptional bowling display from the Japanese unit saw them wrap the Philippines for just 24, with more than 7 overs to spare. As a result, the Philippines fell 59 runs short of the target. As many as 8 of the Philippines’ batters got out for ducks.
Ayumi Fujikawa (4-1-4-4) and Erika Toguchi-Quinn (2-0-5-4) were exceptional with the ball for Japan; the pair broke the back of the opposition batting line-up with the match-defining spells. Ayaka Kato-Stafford (4-0-9-1) was impressive in her spell for her side.
Ayumi Fujikawa was awarded the Player of the Match for her sensational all-round impact, scoring a vital 16* off 22 balls with the bat and returning with a brilliant spell of 4-1-4-4 with the ball, playing a pivotal role in helping Japan seal back-to-back victories.
Mahekdeep Kaur and Yasmeen Daswani guide Hong Kong to a victory over Mongolia
The Mongolian openers Batjargal Ichinkhorloo (13 off 33 balls) and Javzandulam Tugsjargal (6 off 24 balls) got their side off to a promising start with a 27-run opening partnership, after skipper Odzaya Erdenebaatar won the toss and opted to bat first. Mahekdeep Kaur broke the stand, by sending Javzandulam Tugsjargal back to the pavilion in the 9th over of the innings to provide the first breakthrough for Hong Kong.
The Mongolian batters suffered a horrible collapse as they lost their last 9 wickets for just 47 runs and as a result, were bundled out for just 74 runs with 10 balls to spare. Myagmmarzaya Batnasan (16 off 25 balls) was the only other batter to enter the double digits with the bat for their side. Mahekdeep Kaur (3-1-7-3), Emma Lai (2-1-2-2) and Alison Siu (3.2-1-5-0) were exceptional with the ball for Hong Kong, while Shing Chan (4-0-19-0) and Zara Haider (2-0-15-1) played their part with the ball for their side.
Chasing a target of 75, the Hong Kong top-order made light work of the run chase as they sealed the game with 7 wickets in hand and 49 balls to spare. Opening batter Yasmon Daswani (38* off 36 balls) top-scored with the bat for her side, while Shing Chan (11 off 15 balls) played her part with the bat for their side. Skipper Odzaya Erdenebaatar (4-0-21-1), Jargalsaikhan Erdenesuvd (2-0-12-1), and Uugansuvd Bayarjavkhlan (3.5-0-28-1) picked up a wicket each with the ball for Mongolia.
Yasmin Daswani (38* off 36 balls) was awarded the Player of the Match for guiding her side over the line in the run chase. She played a crucial role alongside Mahekdeep Kaur to guide Hong Kong to a comprehensive win.
Loves all things female cricket