Japan women pipped by Pakistan A

It came down to the last ball of the day between the Japan women's team and a Pakistan A women's side in the first game of a three match Twenty20 series in Sano, Japan.

Japan needed four runs off the last ball to secure victory, however Pakistan A were able to field tightly and won by just two runs.

The day started off successfully for Japan, with captain Ema Kuribayashi winning the toss and electing to bat at Ground One, in Sano ? the home of cricket in Japan.

Japan fielded well, putting pressing on Pakistan A, with Atusko Kitamura the pick of the bowlers taking two wickets for 19 runs off four overs. Left arm wrist spinner Shizuka Miyaji also made an impact with the ball, taking a wicket from her first ball of the match. She finished with 1/10 off three.

Pakistan A made 102/6 off the 20 overs with opener Mariam Hassan Shah top scoring with 23.

Japan went into bat with confidence. Captain Kuribayashi stepped up and showed her leadership making 47 off 49. Teamed with Shizuka Kubota, the duo were able to create a 47 run partnership for the fourth wicket, before Kubota was dismissed for 18.

In the final over the home side needed nine runs and when Kuribayashi fell, Yuko Saito and Kurumi Ota were keen to bring the side home, however strike bowler Sania Iqbal held her nerve and the duo fell two runs short.

Japan coach Chris Ferguson was pleased with how his team performed.

"We played positive cricket and while the result didn't go our way it was outstanding to see the girls give their all against a top side like Pakistan," he said. "We've got two more games against them this weekend and hopefully this positive attitude from our side will continue."

The side is using the three game series as preparation for the ICC EAP Women's Trophy in Vanuatu in May and Ferguson has some words for the opposition.

"We don't depend on individuals. We are a team and have proved that with our performances over the last six months and today."

Japan/Pakistan A Twenty20 seriesGame 1 ? Sano, Japan

Pakistan 106/6, Shah 23, Riaz 21, Hussain 19*, Kitamura 2/19, Miyaji 1/10
Japan 100/5, Kuribayashi 47, Kubota 18, Gulzar 2/21