Malaysia split women's T20I series with Japan

KUALA LUMPUR: In a thrilling women's T20I cricket series, Malaysia and Japan battled hard to finish with a 1-1 draw in Sano on Sunday. The first match, which was suspended due to rain on Friday, saw Malaysia emerging victorious by 18 runs. However, the second match ended in a loss for Malaysia, with them falling short by 11 runs. This was Malaysia's first defeat against Japan in three T20I encounters.

The two teams previously faced each other in the 2024 ACC Premier Cup quarter-final at Bayuemas Oval in Klang, with Malaysia winning by 16 runs. As a lead-up to the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Malaysia posted a formidable total of 100 runs for four, with opener Wan Julia Wan Rosli contributing 37 runs. Japan, however, were limited to 82 runs for six in the first T20I.

Nurin Imanina Ikrimah took 4-17, forcing Japan to post a competitive 105-6 in their innings. Despite Japan's strong effort, Malaysia's batting fell apart, collapsing to 94 all out in 17.5 overs. M. Dhanusri scored a brave 17 runs for the team before collapsing under pressure.

In the first match, Ayumi Fujikawa from Japan was instrumental, taking two crucial wickets in the crucial 14th over. She dismissed player of the match Ainna Hamizah Hashim (32) at point and followed by removing Mahirah Izzati Ismail (two) at short cover. Malaysia's captain, Mas Elysa Yasmin Zulkifli, scored a quickfire 17 off 16 balls before being dismissed by Shimako Kato.

Wan Julia was run out due to a mix-up with Imanina as Malaysia managed to reach the century mark. Erika Oda from Japan was Japan's top scorer with 20 runs. Malaysia will face Sri Lanka in a direct knockout competition at the Asian Games on September 18, with no group stage play. Meanwhile, Japan will take on India's formidable team.