Cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties — and Qatar’s sensational three-wicket win over Japan in the Super Six stage perfectly proved that point. In a gripping encounter that went down to the wire, the Qatari side showcased resilience, power-hitting, and nerves of steel to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. This was not just another group-stage win — it was a statement of intent, a reminder that Qatar is here to compete with the best in the tournament.
A Surprising Start: Japan Chooses to Bat First
Japan, after winning the toss, surprised everyone by choosing to bat first. The conditions looked slightly overcast, with the new ball expected to swing. Fleming, coming around the wicket early on, immediately found some movement in the air for Muhammad Mirza. The early exchanges were tight, and both teams were aware of the importance of every run and wicket, given the delicate balance of the points table.
Japan’s top order started with intent. Their openers tried to find the boundary early, and despite losing a wicket to a sharp catch at point, they continued to attack. Lachlan, one of Japan’s aggressive batters, played a couple of audacious shots — a lofted cut over deep third for six and another cracking drive through covers for four. It was clear that Japan wanted to take the attack to Qatar’s pace bowlers.
Japan’s Middle Order Steps Up
After the early setback, Japan’s middle order stabilized the innings. Abhishek Anand was particularly impressive — his exquisite cut shots and straight drives had the crowd on its feet. He looked in sublime touch, using his feet to the spinners and finding the gaps effortlessly. Anand’s 25 off 24 balls gave Japan the momentum they needed before a clever slower ball from Daniel Maria Lewis ended his stay.
Then came Isam Raman, known for his explosive hitting. Raman didn’t take long to stamp his authority — sending a couple of deliveries soaring into the stands. His clean hitting over mid-wicket and long-off reminded everyone of his power and timing. Japan’s innings, however, began to lose shape after a few soft dismissals and dropped catches. Despite some moments of brilliance, they failed to convert starts into big scores.
A Late Flourish to Reach 139
In the final overs, Japan managed to push the score to 139 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. Ibrahim Takahashi’s steady hand at the crease and Benjamin Itto Davis’s late cameo ensured they had a fighting total. On a pitch that offered some assistance to spinners, it wasn’t going to be easy chasing 140.
Qatar’s bowlers had done well to pull things back after a rapid start from Japan. Captain Mohammad Mirza once again led from the front with two wickets for 24 runs, while Daniel Maria Lewis took crucial wickets and even grabbed a sharp return catch off his own bowling. The fielding effort was mixed — brilliant at times, sloppy at others — but the disciplined bowling in the middle overs restricted Japan to a modest total.
Qatar’s Chase Begins on a Shaky Note
Chasing 140, Qatar didn’t have the best start. Both openers, Immalar and Zuber, were dismissed early as Japan’s bowlers found turn and bounce. Ibrahim Takahashi, who had impressed with the bat, was equally lethal with the ball. His economical spell — just six runs an over — created immense pressure on the Qatari batters.
For a while, it looked like Japan’s spinners would run away with the game. Takahashi and Davis combined brilliantly to apply the squeeze, taking wickets at regular intervals. At one stage, Qatar were tottering, losing their top order and struggling to rotate the strike.
Munir and Asim: The Game-Changing Partnership
Just when things looked bleak for Qatar, Shahik Munir and Mohammad Asim stepped up with a match-turning partnership. Their understanding was excellent — they mixed sensible singles with fearless hitting. Munir, known for his power down the ground, launched into the spinners with a series of sixes, while Asim targeted the gaps and punished anything full.
At one point, the duo scored 30 runs in just two overs, turning the momentum completely. Asim’s crisp hitting down the ground and Munir’s lofted drives over long-on had the Japanese fielders scrambling. The crowd roared as every boundary pushed Qatar closer to their target.
However, just as Qatar seemed to be cruising, drama struck again. Benjamin Itto Davis — Japan’s standout performer — produced a magical delivery to dismiss Asim. It was a classic leg-spinner’s dismissal — the ball held its line, beat the bat, and clipped the off stump. The wicket gave Japan a glimmer of hope.
Twists, Tumbles, and a Tense Finish
The final overs were pure theatre. Munir fell soon after, caught trying to clear the field. Qatar still needed runs, and the equation became tighter with every delivery. Declan Suzuki Mcome, bowling with heart, picked up another wicket to keep Japan alive in the contest.
At one point, the match was evenly poised — Qatar needed 15 runs from 10 balls with three wickets in hand. The tension in the air was palpable.
Then came the heroics of Daniel Maria Lewis, who had earlier shone with the ball. With nerves of steel, he played a brilliant inside-out drive for four, followed by a stunning boundary through covers. The momentum was back with Qatar. Japan’s fielders gave their all, diving and sprinting, but Qatar’s lower order held firm.
Finally, with just a few runs needed, Lewis smashed a ball through the gap at mid-wicket. The ball raced away to the boundary — and Qatar sealed a dramatic three-wicket victory. The players erupted in joy, hugging and celebrating their first win in the Super Six stage.
Key Performers
- Mohammad Mirza (Qatar) – 2/24, sharp and reliable as always.
- Daniel Maria Lewis (Qatar) – All-round brilliance: key wickets and the winning runs.
- Shahik Munir & Mohammad Asim (Qatar) – The partnership that turned the tide.
- Benjamin Itto Davis (Japan) – The star for Japan with 3/28 and a gem of a delivery to dismiss Asim.
- Ibrahim Takahashi (Japan) – Controlled spell of spin, kept things tight under pressure.
What This Win Means for Qatar
This victory means more than just two points. It marks Qatar’s first win in the Super Six, giving them a much-needed boost in confidence and position on the points table. The manner in which they chased down 140 despite early setbacks shows character and determination — qualities that define champions.
For Japan, the result is heartbreaking. They fought valiantly, had moments of brilliance in both innings, but couldn’t hold their nerve in the dying overs. Their dropped catches and missed chances ultimately cost them the game, but their progress as a cricketing nation is unmistakable.
A Match to Remember
This Qatar vs. Japan encounter will be remembered for its intensity, unpredictability, and raw passion. Both teams showcased the global spirit of cricket — players from different nationalities, backgrounds, and cultures united by one game. It was a contest full of energy, drama, and sportsmanship.
As the sun set over the Oman Cricket Academy, Qatar’s players lifted their arms in triumph. They had not only defeated Japan but also announced themselves as serious contenders in the tournament. The journey ahead will be tough, but with performances like this, Qatar’s cricketing future looks brighter than ever.
Final Scorecard Snapshot:
🏏 Japan: 139/7 (20 overs)
⭐ Benjamin Itto Davis – 28 (3/28), Abhishek Anand – 25
🏏 Qatar: 143/7 (19.5 overs)
⭐ Shahik Munir – 47 (5 fours, 3 sixes), Mohammad Asim – 36, Daniel Lewis – 22
Result: Qatar won by 3 wickets
Player of the Match: Daniel Maria Lewis
