qualification for a global ICC event. 2020 Under 19 Cricket World Cup Japan’s first World Cup in any form of the game started with a game against New Zealand in Potchefstroom which was washed out after New Zealand scored 195/2 off 28.5 overs. They were comprehensively beaten by India in their second game in Bloemfountein, being dismissed for 41 before India chased down the target with 45.1 overs remaining. Their final group game against Sri Lanka in Potchefstroom was similar to the second, being dismissed for 43 and conceding the target within 9 overs. Japan lost their playoff quarter-final against England at Potchefstroom by 9 wickets. Japan in their 13th place playoff semi-final against Canada at Ibbies Oval, were dismissed for 118 in pursuit of Canada’s 300/7. Neel Date scored a tournament-high 59 (75) in this game, with eight 4s. Their final game came in the 15th place playoff against Nigeria at Potchefstroom, where they lost by 8 wickets defending 115. Players Current squad Records (Youth One Day Internationals) Grounds The Sano International Cricket Ground is the only international standard ground in Japan, serving as the headquarters of the Japan Cricket Association. The redevelopment of a turf wicket square in 2016 for the ICC Women’s World T20 Qualifier was funded partially by investment from ICC East Asia-Pacific member federations, Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket, and also included a three-lane net facility. One of the playing conditions for higher levels of cricket as recognised by the ICC are natural turf surfaces, which are not readily available in non-cricket playing countries owing to the specialised nature of the infrastructure involved. As such, the development of a turf block in Sano serves as a stepping stone to the hosting of further international cricket in Japan. References Under-19 cricket teams Japan in international cricket Cricket