Late March in Sammu with the Sakura in bloom.

March – Season Launch

Our season opener on March 28th saw the 2nd XI take on Alpha Quashers. Asala made his “re-debut” after two seasons away, and we welcomed Subhan for his first game in Sharks colors. Ultimately the game did not go the 2nd’s way, but Umar impressed and came charging out the off-season with a superb 57 not out.

The following day, the Japan Cup squad (2025 Champions) secured our first win of 2026 against Men In Blue. Nikhil led from the front with a composed 33, while Muneeb and Freddy turned the screws with the ball to defend a total of 132.

Painting the crease on Sano 1A

April 4th – Rain and a Fifer

Drama was the theme at Sano Riverside 1A and 1B as the 1st and 3rd XI’s played on adjacent grounds in their JCL 1 and JCL 4 matches. Both games were ultimately called off due to rain in the first innings, the Sharks the fielding side in each game, and with both squads feeling that they had had the chance of a win taken by the weather. The 3rd`s match against Adore was all the more frustrating as it was the 3rd year in a row that the game had been called off because of rain!

However, the weather couldn’t steal the show from Kento. Playing his first game since last summer following a long injury layoff, and dropping down to the glorious 3rds to ease his way back in, Kento looked like he’d never been away. He dismantled the Adore 1st XI top order to claim a magnificent fifer (5/26). Unfortunately for the 3rds this performance saw Kanto promoted back to his rightful place in the 1st XI the following round. We also celebrated a New Shark debut in the JCL 4 game, with Ahmad making his first appearance.

On the neighboring pitch, Benjamin Ito was also in the wickets, taking 3/28, while Timmy bowled two incredibly tight maidens to finish with figures of 1/0.

Captains and umpires making a decision on the rain

April 11th & 12th – A Smashing Weekend

The 1st XI delivered a clinical performance on April 11th, suffocating the Rising Stars for just 78 runs. In an incredibly low-scoring affair, the winning total was less than 100, but Nikhil didn’t get the memo about it being a “bowler’s pitch”. He bludgeoned an unbeaten 58 off just 21 deliveries, including five massive sixes, to finish the chase in just 6.3 overs. Kento (3/16) and Ben (3/16) were the architects with the ball.

If Saturday was about speed, Sunday was about sheer volume. The 3rd XI posted a monster 314/4 against the Tokyo Falcons, there highest ever score to date. Ayush stole the show with a sensational unbeaten century (111 off 51 balls)*, totally demoralising the Falcon’s bowlers with his boundary hitting. Asala supported brilliantly with 66, while Will fell just short of his first half-century on 47.

April 18th & 19th: Hat-trick Heroics

The highlight of the Japan Cup clash against the Rising Stars on April 18th was Freddy and his hat-trick. Both Freddy (3/21) and Ben (3/19) took three wickets whilst Ghufi provided the backbone with the bat, top-scoring with 32, to help the Shark’s secure a 45-run victory.

The last Shark’s game of the month came relatively early on April 19th, and saw the 2nd XI fight a nail-biter against the Tigers. Sud was the model of patience holding up one end with 40 off 106 balls as the Sharks fought their way to 149/8. As the Tigers chased Rithvik gave them a scare with a clinical spell of 3/28, and Umar took to runouts, but it wasn’t quite enough to prevent a 3-wicket defeat in the 29th over.

Freddie celebrates his hatrick

At the end of the month the Sharks were top of the table in the Japan Cup EK Div 1, 3rd in JCL Div 1, 10th in JCL Div 2 and 2nd in JCL Div 4. But there is still a long way to go…..

Awards Night 2025

Held again at the magnificent Siddique Palace under Tokyo Tower, the Sharks came together for an evening of fun, celebration and the obligatory microphone and projector issues. Mairaj took away a life membership, Muneeb regaled the audience with his Quiz, Nick gave one of the longest acceptance speeches in Sharks history, Dhugal collected a long overdue ‘most runs in a year’ award from the Chiba Sharks Ichihara period and  Timmy (almost) smiled.

Ghufi, Manav, Abhi, Rahul and Ben showing off their awards.

Dhugal and Nick enjoying presenting

Mairaj joins the Life Members

The Master Anton at work engraving the Sharks trophies – the envy of all other clubs in the JCL (they like the Trophies too)

A full house

Benny picks up a centurion award for his 130

Ichihara CC most runs in a season (2003) – the delay in our expenses refunds is nothing in comparison!

KB explains the history behind the Swimming Cup, from an era many of the 3rd XI remember fondly.

Takady and Timmy (sporting a mystery tash…)

Awards 2025 group photo, closing off the night

U19 Cricket World Cup 2026

Japan’s first ever appearance in the U19 Cricket World Cup was in the 2020 edition, with a number of current Sharks representing Japan at that event. In the 2026 edition, Tim and Nikhil were a part of the squad which saw Japan play group matches against Sri Lanka, Australia and Ireland, with warmups against the West Indies and Tanzania and a runner-up match against Tanzania. The mystery of Tim’s tash from the Award’s night was revealed when he shaved it off after the announcement of the squad…….a lucky tash….should have kept it until after the tournament…..

Japan take a bow with the Mascots

Pre Season Training & New Training Kit

One thing that sets the Sharks apart from other clubs is the dedication we put into training and practice. This year during February and March we held regular nets sessions at Akai-farm and SICG and fielding sessions at Sammu. The Sharks were also lucky enough to secure a new sponsor, Funabashi Orthopedic Clinic who have kindly agreed to sponsor our new training kit from this season. At one of our sessions the Sharks gave a special thanks to Yumi Ishimoto, founder of Akai Farm nets and a big contributor to Japan cricket and the development of a number of the Sharks players over the years, by presenting her with one of our special Champions 2026 T-shirts.

Marcus presents Ishimoto-san with a champions t-shirt

The Sharks at Akai Farm after a nets session

Eric and Muneeb model the new training top

Nuff said

AGM 2026

On February 15th members of the Sharks gathered in Chiba for the annual AGM. The 2025 finances were reviewed and the management plan and other important topics for 2026 discussed. Key outcomes were a necessary increase in membership fees, changes to remuneration for umpiring duty and the appointment of 2 new club officers – Manav as Webmaster and Hamdan as Personnel Officer.

Thailand Quadrangular Series

At the end of February the Japan men’s side travelled to Thailand for a 4-way tournament featuring Japan, Thailand, Bhutan and Bahrain. Ben, Kendel and Ibby were playing, bringing some Sharks style to the tournament in which Japan lost the final in a super over.

Pre-Season Friendlies

Our annual pre-season friendly against the Wombats was held on March 8th, in the bitter icy winds of Sano. When not keeping out the wind by sitting in the weeds, the Sharks did a fantastic job on the field, winning both matches; hopefully a sign of things to come for this years Shearer-Thurgate cup. On March 15th the Sharks also played 2 friendly matches against the Tokyo Dragons, in an event billed as the ‘Tokyo Bay Derby‘  The Sharks won 1 of 2 games and hope to make the derby an annual event.

Dave and Marcus sit out the wind

Ghufi taking shelter

Stump repair job – village cricket at its best (don`t tell Dhugal)

A chilly but victorious Sharks side

Under sunny skies and on the SICG 2 turf wicket the Sharks looked the better side throughout, playing well as a single unit in the field and well supported by their small but vocal followers. Opening batsmen Dhugal and Nikhil both scored half centuries as the Sharks batted through their overs for a total of 216. Sano`s innings started to go against them when some poor decision-making led to 2 runouts, after which the bowlers made hay with the Sano batsmen, with the support of some lightening quick keeping and fielding. Ben was the leading wicket taker with three. The last Sano Batsman was removed in the 36th over, setting off celebrations from the Sharks Camp.

Denied a JCA live-stream, the Sharks did a DIY and broadcast themselves on the Sharks Facebook, and which had more than 1,000 views!

The Sharks Cricket season is now over, and what a season it has been! The end of this month is the annual Awards Ceremony, then the training for 2026 begins…can we win even more next season?

JCL 1 Champions

(Non-Alcoholic) Champagne Shower

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!

The final was the conclusion of the 2 day finals tournament that saw the top 10 teams from all over Japan battling for the championship over the weekend of October 18th & 19th. 

The Sharks had narrowly won their round 1 match against the Nagoya Bengal Tigers, before a dominant quarter finals performance saw them besting the Osaka Lions by 85 runs at the conclusion of the tournament’s 1st day.

The 1st match on Sunday was a semi final against the Falcons (who had beaten us in the final for East Kanto Division 1). The Sharks were looking for revenge, and revenge was what they got, putting up a total of 196/6 and winning the match by 39 runs. After the match some of the players attributed the win to the mutton curry served at the team dinner the night before; a statement that cannot be proven, however the curry was associated with a number of emergency trips to the toilet on the morning of the match….

After lunch (at which no mutton curry was eaten), a confident Sharks faced off against the Kobe Hawks, who had beaten the Nagoya Bengal Tigers in their semi final match. The Sharks opted to bat first, having won the toss, but their confidence quickly took a knock as wickets started to fall, and by the end of the 9th over things were looking dire with the score on 63/6. Captain Abhi, Muneeb and Manav fought back and added some vital runs which took the Sharks to 133/9 by the end of the innings. What followed next was a nail-biting back and forward between the Sharks bowlers, Hawks batters and Sharks fielders. The first ball almost saw the Hawks opening batsman dismissed, but for a fumbled catch, however few other chances came and by the half way point only one wicket had been taken. The Hawks batsmen were playing a patient game, with the threat of a breakout ever present, and by the 17th over the score was 104/3. Three overs to go and 30 runs needed…The 18th over went firmly the Sharks way with Tim taking 2 wickets for only 1 run after successfully bowling 6 yorkers in a row, however the Hawks fought back hard in the 19th and took 14 runs. At the start of the last over the Hawks needed 15 runs from 6 balls. The pressure was immense as Muneeb stated to bowl – a pressure that only increased as his first ball went for 2 byes and the next 2 went for singles. 11 runs needed from 3 balls. The 4th ball was hit for a 6 – 5 runs needed from 2 balls. Muneeb tried to bowl a wide yorker and pitched it too wide – 4 runs needed from 2 balls. Same plan again, same result…3 runs needed from 2 balls. Everyone watching, including the scorers, were on their feet. Muneeb changed tactics – next ball wicket! 2 runs needed from 1 ball. Last ball, pitched too full, hit long and high and…….coming down into the hands of captain Ahbi! The Sharks had won it!

Tim was awarded man of the match for his last 2 overs that took 3 wickets for 4 runs, though there were several Sharkies that would also have been deserving of the award. A great team performance. You can watch the match on YouTube.

The winning side

After the award ceremony the Sharks celebrated in style at the Siddique Palace at Tokyo Tower. 

Mutton Curry anyone?

President Marcus celebrating in style after a long weekend.

We wish Japan success throughout the season – the Sharks will be cheering you all the way.

The club would like to congratulate the following selected players:

• Benjamin Ito-Davis (Men’s Japan National)
• Alester Kadowaki-Fleming (Men’s Japan National)
• Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming (Men’s Japan National)
• Ibrahim Takahashi (Men’s Japan National)
• Marcus Thurgate (Men’s Japan National)

• Ghufran Mir (Men’s Japan A)
• Manav Natarajan (Men’s Japan A)
• Kento Ota-Dobell (Men’s Japan A)
• Muneeb Siddique Mian (Men’s Japan A)
• Tsuyoshi Takada (Men’s Japan A)
• Ashley Thurgate (Men’s Japan A)

• Timothy Moore (National Academy U19)
• Nikhil Pol (National Academy U19)
• Max Yonekawa-Lynn (National Academy U19)

• Taiga Hague (National Academy U16)

Tim played in all three matches, taking 2 great catches against India and dismissing Pakistan’s in-form batsman Shahzaib Khan (caught and bowled).

The Sharks could have had a stronger representation in the squad if exam schedules had not prevented some of our other young players from travelling to Dubai – we hope to see Tim and other young Sharks competing for Japan again soon!

You can read more about Japan’s performance on the JCA website.

Japan Team Image courtesy of the Japan Cricket Association, 2024,  https://cricket.or.jp/en/

Kendel, captaining Japan, was the tournament`s top run scorer with 275 runs in 6 innings, and a strike rate of 136. Kendel was also awarded player of the match in 3 of Japan‘s wins and named the tournament`s Most Valuable Player.

Ibby and Ben, being all-rounders, contributed with both bat and ball. Ibrahim scored 41 runs over 5 innings (SR 107) and 6 wickets in 5 innings (bowling economy 3.27), Ben hit 37 runs in 2 innings (strike rate 154) and took 7 wickets over 4 innings (economy 4.50).

Long-time lynchpin of the Sharks batting lineup, Dhugal, also travelled with the Japan squad as a team official. 

You can read more about Japan`s performance at the tournament on the JCA website.

Well done Sharkies and congratulations Japan – we will all be cheering you on in the Asia/EAP Regional Final!

Japan Team Image courtesy of the Japan Cricket Association, 2024,  https://cricket.or.jp/en/

Since December we have held a number of training sessions at Akai Farm, with coaching provided by Nick, Chris and Dave. These sessions were an excellent opportunity to get to know some of our new players – some young blood and some not-so-young blood – and to welcome them into the Club. As always we are grateful to our sponsors for supporting these sessions.

During February a number of members took part in a pair of friendly games against the Tokyo Wombats. Despite the artic winds (what happened to the warm January weather!), the Sharks won one of the two games and everyone had a great, if chilly, time.

At the Sharks AGM on February 3rd there were a number of changes to the Officers. The biggest change was the appointment of a new President, Marcus Thurgate, who will replace Dave Lollback. Another big change for the club was the abolishment of the Manager role, following the stepping down of Anton Lloyd-Williams. The Chiba Sharks is ever indebted to Dave and Anton for their contribution, both of whom will remain part of the club.

Also at the AGM it was decided that the Sharks will form a 3rd XI for competing in the JCL 4th Division. The creation of this team reflects the growth of the clubs membership and its commitment to helping player development.

All we need now is the announcement of the 2024 schedule – the Sharks are ready to go!

(Will)