Kyoto Super Lions win Japan Cup 2022

In the Japan Cup Kansai Div.1 final, the Kaizuka Cup, the undefeated Kyoto Super Lions came out on top in the regional finals, defeating the second-placed Osaka Lions to claim their first championship win. Their overwhelming batting power is one of the best in Japan and they are expected to do well in the national final tournament

Match Report

Kyoto Super Lions emerged victorious in a thrilling encounter against Osaka Lions in the 2022 Finals of the Japan Cup Kansai Division 1. The Kyoto Super Lions batsmen displayed exceptional skills to set a challenging target of 216 runs for their opponents.

Batting first, Kyoto Super Lions got off to a solid start with openers Charith Kodokara and Ajith Ganepola laying a strong foundation. They put up a 60-run partnership before Ganepola fell to the bowling of Sanath Fernando for 29 runs. However, Kodokara continued his impressive innings, scoring an unbeaten 63 off just 51 deliveries, including six boundaries and a six.

Rangana Cooray joined Kodokara in the middle and the duo dominated the Osaka Lions bowlers. Cooray smashed 57 runs off 35 balls, which included five boundaries and three sixes. Their partnership of 94 runs propelled Kyoto Super Lions to a daunting total. Mohamed Althaf provided the finishing touches with a quickfire 44 off just 15 balls, taking the team’s total to 215/2 at the end of their allotted 20 overs.

In pursuit of a mammoth target, Osaka Lions got off to a shaky start, losing opener Chanaka Dushmantha early to the bowling of Pubudu Umesh. However, Sanath Fernando played a valiant innings of 42 runs off 41 deliveries to keep the chase alive. But his efforts went in vain as wickets kept falling at regular intervals.

Chamilla Dushantha was the pick of the bowlers for Kyoto Super Lions, picking up four crucial wickets for just 29 runs in his four overs. Rasika Manawadu and Mohamed Althaf also contributed with a wicket each. Despite some resistance from Dhanushka Sanjeewa and Miyuru Navaratne, who scored 13 and 22 runs respectively, Osaka Lions could only manage to reach 136/7 in their 20 overs, falling short by 79 runs.

Charith Kodokara was awarded the Player of the Match for his unbeaten half-century, which played a crucial role in helping Kyoto Super Lions post a challenging total.

The finals match, held at the Kaizuka Cricket Field, witnessed an exciting display of cricketing skills from both teams. The result of the match highlights the dominance of Kyoto Super Lions in 2022 and their ability to perform under pressure.