Japan posted a 132-run target against Nepal in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier at Al Amerat, Oman, on Friday.

Captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming led from the front with a fluent 60 off 46 balls, hitting five fours and three sixes. He shared a crucial 71-run partnership with Eesam Rahman, who scored 31 off 25 balls, to steady Japan after an early wicket loss.

The rest of the batting line-up, however, struggled to maintain momentum against Nepal’s disciplined attack.

Japan’s innings lost momentum after reaching 97 for 2 in the 13th over. From there, Nepal triggered a middle-order collapse, taking six wickets for just 34 runs.

Benjamin Ito-Davis added a quick 17 off 12 balls before falling late in the innings, while the lower order failed to make any significant contributions.

Gulshan Jha was the pick of the Nepali bowlers, finishing with figures of 2 for 20 in his four overs. He dismissed Kadowaki-Fleming and Ibrahim Takahashi, providing key breakthroughs at crucial stages.

Spinner Sandeep Lamichhane also made an impact, taking 2 for 25, including the wickets of Sabaorish Ravichandran and Declan Suzuki.

Sompal Kami and Nandan Yadav claimed a wicket each, while Dipendra Singh Airee contributed with a tight spell and was also involved in a sharp run-out. Nepal’s bowlers collectively kept Japan’s scoring rate in check despite conceding 13 extras, including seven wides.

The Rhinos made a flying start to their campaign on Wednesday, defeating Kuwait by 58 runs in their Group B match.