In today’s Japan vs Cook Islands prediction, Japan will aim to continue their dominant form when they face Cook Islands in the 4th T20 of the Japan T20I Tri-Series 2025. Scheduled for Friday, 9th May 2025, at the Sano International Cricket Ground, this match promises another thrilling contest between two in-form teams. Japan are currently unbeaten and look solid in both departments, while Cook Islands, fresh from a narrow win, will be keen to challenge the group leaders. With both teams tied on points, this clash could determine who edges toward the final spot. Cricketwebs provides 100% match prediction tips for every cricket match, and here’s our detailed analysis.
Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Japan vs Cook Islands, 4th T20 |
| Series | Japan T20I Tri-Series, 2025 |
| Date | Friday, 9th May 2025 |
| Time | 11:00 AM Local Time |
| Venue | Sano International Cricket Ground, Sano |
| Live Streaming | Fancode |
Team Previews
Japan Preview
Japan are on top of the table after a resounding win over Thailand. Their victory by 61 runs not only gave them a huge net run rate boost but also reinforced their position as tournament favorites. Despite a shaky start with the bat, Sabaorish Ravichandran played a responsible innings, scoring 24 off 27 balls, while Ibrahim Takahashi’s lower-order contribution pushed Japan to a defendable 110.
With the ball, Japan were outstanding. Ravichandran returned to pick two wickets and led the attack, which bundled Thailand out for just 49. Kazuma Kato-Stafford also chipped in and showed that Japan possess a well-rounded bowling unit. Their bowling depth and ability to recover from batting collapses make them the team to beat in this series.
Their strategy of building pressure through dot balls and sharp fielding is working well. If their top-order fires, Japan could dominate even more convincingly in this match against Cook Islands.
Cook Islands Preview
Cook Islands too are coming off a win but had to dig deep against Thailand. Chasing a modest 125, they were guided by Thomas Parima’s top score of 47, supported initially by Hayden Dickson. However, after Parima’s dismissal, their middle and lower order collapsed dramatically, and it was Jared Tutty’s composed 6* that saw them home in the 19th over with 3 wickets in hand.
While their bowling effort earlier, led by Hayden Dickson and Liam Denny, was effective, their batting depth remains a concern. They rely heavily on the likes of Parima and Dickson, and if these two fall early, the team struggles to maintain momentum.
Against a disciplined bowling unit like Japan’s, Cook Islands will need to stabilize their middle order and avoid reckless shot selection. Their success may depend on batting partnerships and early breakthroughs with the ball.
Team Squads
Japan Squad: Kendel Fleming (c), Shirai Patmore (wk), Lachlan Lake, Charles Hinze, Sabaorish Ravichandran, Benjamin Ito Davis, Kazumasa Takahashi, Ibrahim Takahashi, Kazuma Kato-Stafford, Abdul Samad, Shoma Slater
Cook Islands Squad: Ma’ara Ave (c), James Pickering (wk), Hayden Dickson, Thomas Parima, Aue Parima, Cory Dickson, Liam Denny, Oscar Taylor, Jared Tutty, Tiaki Wuatai, Milton Kavana, Tomakanute Ritawa, Benjamin Vakatini, Pita Ravarua, Cameron Thorp, Paani Vaialo
Probable Playing XI
Japan Probable XI:
- Kendel Fleming (c)
- Shirai Patmore (wk)
- Charles Hinze
- Lachlan Lake
- Sabaorish Ravichandran
- Benjamin Ito Davis
- Kazumasa Takahashi
- Ibrahim Takahashi
- Kazuma Kato-Stafford
- Abdul Samad
- Shoma Slater
Cook Islands Probable XI:
- Ma’ara Ave (c)
- James Pickering (wk)
- Hayden Dickson
- Thomas Parima
- Aue Parima
- Liam Denny
- Oscar Taylor
- Jared Tutty
- Milton Kavana
- Benjamin Vakatini
- Cory Dickson
Fantasy Team XI (Dream11 Style)
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Sabaorish Ravichandran | All-rounder (C) |
| Thomas Parima | Batter (VC) |
| Kendel Fleming | Batter |
| Charles Hinze | Batter |
| Hayden Dickson | All-rounder |
| Ibrahim Takahashi | All-rounder |
| Kazuma Kato-Stafford | Bowler |
| Liam Denny | Bowler |
| Jared Tutty | Bowler |
| Shirai Patmore | Wicketkeeper |
| Ma’ara Ave | Batter |
Captain: Sabaorish Ravichandran
Vice-Captain: Thomas Parima
Players to Avoid:
- Tiaki Wuatai – Yet to make significant impact.
- Tomakanute Ritawa – Low strike rate and not in playing XI consistently.
Favorite Team in Today’s Match – Japan (Why?)
Japan are the favorites to win this match due to their superior bowling unit and tactical approach. Their confidence is soaring after a huge win over Thailand, where they bowled the opposition out for 49. The team has a balanced lineup with match-winners in both departments. Their spinners have proven difficult to play on the slow surface of Sano, and the presence of all-rounders like Ravichandran and Ibrahim Takahashi gives them flexibility.
Japan also hold the advantage of home conditions and know the pitch behavior far better than their opponents. If their top order provides a decent start, Japan could easily put the game out of Cook Islands’ reach. Their ability to recover from tough situations and defend small totals shows character and tactical maturity, which is why they’re likely to edge out Cook Islands in this contest.
Pitch Report – Sano International Cricket Ground
The Sano pitch is traditionally slow and helps spinners. Batters must spend time in the middle before playing big shots. Anything above 140 is competitive here. The average first innings score is around 125–130. Expect sharp turn and some grip from the surface.
Weather Report
- Temperature: 21°C
- Humidity: 68%
- Rain Chances: 5%
- Conditions: Partly cloudy but ideal for cricket.
Broadcast Details
- Platform: Fancode (Mobile App and Website)
- Availability: India and select Asian regions
Toss Prediction
- Toss Winner: Japan
- Decision: Bat First (Defending has worked better on this pitch)
Match Prediction – Who Will Win?
Winner: Japan Will Win
With an experienced bowling attack, familiarity with the Sano surface, and solid form, Japan are best placed to claim victory in this crucial encounter. Cook Islands might fight hard, but Japan’s discipline and depth should secure them their second win of the tournament.
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
Disclaimer: Predictions are for entertainment purposes only. We don’t get involved in or promote betting or gambling. Also, We strongly discourage behaviors of participating in illegal activities related to cricket. Our experts try to be as correct as possible, but we do not guarantee 100% correctness.
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