STOP PRESS:  This evening the Sharks webmaster received an email from a self described hacker who claimed to have accessed the files of a prominent member of the Japan cricket community and obtained a highly confidential pre-match analysis of the upcoming Chiba Sharks vs Sano JCL 1 final. Although we cannot verify the veracity of this claim, the report looks broadly accurate (though with a few embellishments and the odd lie). In the interests of journalistic integrity, we have reproduced the analysis in full here for our fans. We bear no responsibility for the accuracy of the content that follows….

2025 JAPAN CRICKET LEAGUE FINAL PREVIEW

Sano CC vs Chiba Sharks – JCL’s Ultimate Showdown

After months of tight finishes, heatwaves, starring performances and tactical masterstrokes, the Japan Cricket League Final is finally here.

Two proud clubs remain standing – Sano Cricket Club, chasing their first title since 2017, and Chiba Sharks Cricket Club, the perennial contenders looking to back up their Japan Cup title, for the coveted double premiership.

The grand stage? None other than SICG2, the slightly less glamorous sibling of Sano’s main ground. Yes, you read that right – SICG1 is busy hosting an event, because nothing screams “national final” quite like being bumped for a community festival and a food truck lineup. Still, true professionals adapt, and although it might not be live-streamed to the legions of overseas-based supporters, the best team will prevail on the final Saturday of the JCL calendar.

Tale of the Tape
Sano CC come into the final after a tight victory against the table-topping Alpha Quashers Yokohama, while the Sharks had a dominant win against recent heavyweights, Tokyo Falcons.

Key Matchups
Both teams possess class in the top order batting, power in the middle, skilful fast bowlers and wily spinners. The outcome of the final will be determined by the team who can take out the key matchups in the fixture.

1. Reo Sakurano & Zubair Khan vs Sharks Top Order
If there’s movement in the air, Reo Sakurano and Zubair Khan will find it. Sano’s new-ball pair have made a habit of turning even the most confident openers into tentative prodders. The Sharks’ top order, however, has shown flashes of brilliance all season, mixing fearless hitting, led by their inspirational leader of men, with a healthy disregard for footwork. If they can survive the first five overs without nicking one to the cordon or being hypnotised by Zubair’s outswing (and death stare following an excessive follow-through), they’ll have weathered the storm.

2. Benjamin Ito-Davis vs Devon Van Onselen
National team star Benjamin Ito has been a dominant force for the Chiba Sharks in 2025, and the standout player in the Japan Cricket League this summer. While he has been making key contributions with bat, ball and in the field for his teams this year, newly appointed JCA staff member and former South African prodigy Devon van Onselen will have one thing in mind – to occupy real estate in Ito’s head.

Ito has been the Sharks’ engine – calm under pressure, clinical between overs, and capable of turning games with the bat or ball. Van Onselen, however, has vowed to deploy full mental warfare to limit Ito’s impact. Whether that means chatter, charm, or creative field placements that defy geometry, one thing’s certain – it’ll be entertaining. Expect constant conversation, a few theatrical pauses, and possibly a stare or two that lasts longer than a mid-over drinks break. Whoever wins this psychological arm wrestle could tilt the match their way.

3. Battle of the U19 Stars
Japan’s rising stars take centre stage as Sano’s Ryuki Ozeki squares off against the Sharks’ youthful duo Tim Moore and Nikhil Pol.

Ozeki, widely regarded as one of the country’s best young fielders, covers ground like he’s auditioning for the Olympic 4×100, but is never seen moving faster than when he is running away from his fans in the JCA’s Tea Room.

Pol, on the other hand, is almost the complete all-round package. What he lacks in athleticism, he more than makes up for with flair and self-belief, both of which should be on full display. A newly found off-field routine has Pol bringing more energy to matches. Moore, by contrast, is the quiet achiever – calm, focused, and rarely saying more than a few words all day. Fortunately, his dad makes up the difference from the stands.

The only thing louder than Moore’s improvement curve might be the running commentary from the boundary rope.

Together, they represent the exciting future of Japanese cricket.

4. Sharks Army vs Local Sano Supporters
Although the Sharks will be missing #1 ticketholder and vocal supporter Ashley Thurgate this year, there will be a number of Sharks making the trek from Chiba. The shiver of sharks will attempt to fill the stands (before being escorted to SICG2), and become increasingly boisterous throughout the day.
The Sano locals, meanwhile, are a quieter but deeply loyal bunch. Expect polite applause from one end, passionate cheers (and maybe a megaphone) from the other, and at least one confused bystander wondering why there’s so much noise coming from SICG2 when the real event is next door on SICG1.

5. Tsuyoshi Takada vs Kazumasa Hiratsuka
This matchup represents the two finals specialists. Simply put, these guys are clutch, standing up in the big moments. Takada, also known as Sex, is an experienced finals player and has been the Man of the Match in a JCL final before. Hiratsuka has ice in his veins and has shown that multiple times in 2025, including hitting a 6 off the final ball of a Futures League match to drag his team home (also on SICG2).

6. Alex Shirai-Patmore vs Marcus Thurgate
It’s a showdown between Japan’s two national team wicketkeepers and perhaps the most entertaining duel within the duel. One brings the subtle, intelligent chat, the quiet assassin behind the stumps, while the other prefers the loud variety, full of energy, volume, and enthusiasm that could register on a seismograph.

Once fierce rivals, the pair are now firm friends who can often be found hanging out together in the depths of Shinjuku 2-chome – a special space that celebrates diversity and freedom.

7. Dhugal Bedingfield vs Makoto Taniyama
It doesn’t get more heavyweight than this: Dhugal Bedingfield, the long-term national team coach and strategist-in-chief, facing off against Makoto Taniyama, Japan’s longest-serving current national player and the greatest Japanese bowler of all time.

Regular allies in the national cause, now adversaries for club glory. The respect runs deep, but you can feel the tension in every over.

Inspirational Sharks skipper Bedingfield will plot, Taniyama will counter, and somewhere between them lies two decades of shared experience and competitive pride. Make no mistake, this isn’t just another matchup; it’s personal. Expect polite smiles, intense stares, and the sort of silent rivalry that could power half of Sano’s electricity grid.

If Bedingfield can survive the Sano pace threats early, Taniyama will hold the key to dislodging the Sharks skipper and prolific runscorer.

This is a truly exciting matchup which will feature some of the best players in Japan. May the best team win!