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Japan U19 skipper Kato-Stafford hails 'unbelievable' World Cup experience

Despite losing all three group matches, Japan's U19 cricket captain Kazuma Kato-Stafford emphasized the invaluable experience of competing against top Test nations. The team recorded historic individual performances, including Hugo Tani-Kelly's century against Sri Lanka. Kato-Stafford expressed pride in putting Japanese cricket on the global stage and handling the pressure of a mega event. The team now looks to secure its first win in a grading match against tournament debutants Tanzania.

Key Points: Japan U19 captain reflects on World Cup journey

  • Japan finished group stage without a win
  • Hugo Tani-Kelly scored Japan's first U19 century
  • Team focused on learning from top-tier opposition
  • More than half the squad eligible for next World Cup
  • Final match against debutants Tanzania upcoming
2 min read

U19 WC: Japan's Kato-Stafford reflects on 'unbelievable experience' of being in competition

Japan's U19 cricket captain Kazuma Kato-Stafford discusses the team's learning experience and positives despite losses at the ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup.

"It's not every day an Associate nation gets to come up against three full Test level nations... - Kazuma Kato-Stafford"

Windhoek, Jan 23

Japan may have finished their second ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup group stage campaign without a win, but skipper Kazuma Kato-Stafford chose to reflect on an 'unbelievable experience' of featuring in the competition, saying that it's not everyday one gets to face higher-ranked nations.

Though Japan lost to Ireland, Australia and Sri Lanka, they had some standout performances to take positives from. Hugo Tani-Kelly became the first Japan player to score a century at this level by making 101 not out against Sri Lanka, while Timothy Moore claimed three wickets in the same match.

Against defending champions Australia, Tani-Kelly made 79 not out, while Kato-Stafford returned with figures of 2-42 from nine overs. "It's not every day an Associate nation gets to come up against three full Test level nations and three of the best in the world.

"(It was) absolutely huge. An unbelievable experience. We've got a number of guys, I think more than half the squad, available for the next World Cup, so it's a really good experience for them, especially playing under pressure, playing against some world class players, who I have no doubt will go onto big things," Kato-Stafford was quoted as saying by ICC on Friday.

He further expressed pride on how his side had handled pressure of being in a mega event. "Just being able to put Japan Cricket on the world stage is just a really good honour and hopefully it's onto bigger and better things from here. We've learned how to (handle) a lot of pressure against us.

"A few teams got off to really good starts against us, so being able to bounce back from that, being able to use our different options. Normally we've been reliant on a few bowlers through the middle (but) this time around we've been able to rely on a few other guys.

"With the bat, especially, I've been really happy (that) I've been able to rely on a number of players who have really stood up for us, so I've been really happy with that. Happy overall with the experience, the fight we've shown and being able to play our Japan way," elaborated Kato-Stafford.

Japan will next face U19 Men's Cricket World Cup debutants Tanzania on Saturday in a grading fixture, with both teams seeking their first win of the tournament and sign off on a high.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Kato-Stafford's attitude is commendable. It's not about winning every time, it's about learning and growing. This experience against top teams like Australia and Sri Lanka is priceless for their young players. Hope they get that first win against Tanzania!
R
Rohit P
As an Indian cricket fan, I love seeing new teams on the world stage. Japan scoring a century and taking wickets against Test nations is no small feat. ICC should definitely continue to give more opportunities to associate members. The future of cricket needs it.
S
Sarah B
Respect to the captain for focusing on the positives. It's a great lesson in sportsmanship. While the results weren't there, the performances were. That century will inspire so many young kids in Japan to pick up a bat.
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Vikram M
A small critique though - I wish the article gave us a bit more detail on what exactly "playing our Japan way" means. Is it a specific strategy or philosophy? Nonetheless, kudos to the team for the fight. The more competitive teams we have, the better the sport becomes.
K
Kavya N
This is what makes the U19 World Cup so special! It's not just about finding future stars for the big teams, but about giving emerging cricket nations a platform. Japan and Tanzania playing each other will be a historic match for both. All the best to both sides! 🏏

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