Windhoek, Jan 24 (.) There are days in cricket when the scorecard tells a neat story, and then there are days when one player quietly bends the game to his will. This was very much the latter, as Nihar Parmar delivered a performance of rare balance and composure to script Japan’s first-ever victory at a World Cup, against Tanzania in the 15th–16th place playoff.
Parmar first made his mark with the ball, returning figures of 4 for 30 that reflected not just accuracy, but an understanding of when to attack and when to apply the squeeze.
Tanzania, after winning the toss and choosing to bat, began with purpose. Opener Acrey Hugo looked organised from the outset, and despite losing Karim Kiseto early, he found an able ally in Ayaan Sharrif. Their 79-run stand for the second wicket gave Tanzania a sense of control, Hugo compiling a fluent 55 and Sharrif contributing a solid 40.
Yet, as is so often the case in tournament cricket, momentum can be a fragile thing. Once Hugo fell at 81 for 2 and Sharrif followed at 118 for 3, Japan sensed vulnerability. Parmar, probing and patient, and Nikhil Pol, incisive and disciplined, exposed Tanzania’s middle order. The collapse was swift and terminal: seven wickets for 13 runs, the innings folding for 131, a total that suddenly looked well below par.
Japan’s reply was a study in clarity of thought. Parmar, now wearing the batsman’s hat, set about the chase with calm assurance. Alongside Taylor Waugh, he forged a 122-run opening partnership that effectively settled the contest. There was no rush, no unnecessary risk — just an accumulation built on sound judgement and soft hands.
The pair batted for 27 overs, draining the life out of Tanzania’s attack. Waugh’s run-out on 47 was a rare moment of interruption, but by then the destination was clear.
Parmar remained unbeaten on 53, a chanceless innings that mirrored his bowling spell in its control and purpose. Hugo Tani-Kelly provided the finishing touches, striking a four and then a six soon after arriving at the crease to complete the chase.
For Tanzania, the match marked the end of their first World Cup appearance at any level, a campaign without a win but rich in experience. Japan, by contrast, left the tournament with heads held high.
In only their second World Cup outing, they finally tasted victory, a fitting progression from their Under-19 debut in 2020, when they had fallen short in the same 16th place playoff. This time, guided by Parmar’s allround excellence, they found a way to finish on the right side of history.
. . PRS