May 24, 2024
Right-hand batter, Christelle Van Der Schyff and off-spinner Paulinah Mashishi, recently embarked on an 11-day cricket tour to Japan. They participated in the Women’s Japan Premier League Tournament 2024 at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Sano, Tochigi.
Stepping onto the field as representatives of the Western Eagles and Eastern Waves respectively, the tournament welcomed players from diverse backgrounds such as Australia and Sri Lanka, as well as emerging talents from Vanuatu and Indonesia.
The tournament consisted of a number of matches between the Western Eagles and Eastern Waves and included a series of matches over a six-day period, featuring five T10 and three T20 games. Both Van Der Schyff and Mashishi showcased their skills and contributed significantly to their teams’ performances.
Reflecting on her experience, Christelle Van Der Schyff said, “I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Japan and would love to visit again. Everyone is so willing to learn from one another, making it a truly enriching experience.”
Paulinah Mashishi added, “It was nothing different from what we are used to in terms of the rules. A challenge I encountered as far as conditions was the pitch being a little on the slow side, but it was a great experience, and we got along with everyone. I’m going to miss the food and shopping”. She giggled.
During the tournament, the Western Eagles, with Paulinah Mashishi, triumphed in the T20 matches against the Eastern Waves. Christelle Van Der Schyff had a standout performance in the T10 series, where she took five wickets for 21 runs in four overs in the final game, leading her team to the T10 victory.
This trip marks the second occasion on which Fidelity Titans players have travelled to Japan, highlighting partnership between the Titans and Japan Cricket.
Titans Cricket CEO Dr. Jacques Faul expressed his excitement about the collaboration, noting, “The partnership with Japan Cricket has been incredibly successful. We are eager to see more of our players traveling to Japan to gain experience and take their skills to the international stage, while also welcoming international players to South Africa to share their expertise with our team.
“Our Head Groundsman at SuperSport Park, Bryan Bloy, assisted with repairs to the cricket field in Japan early last year. We look forward to continuing to create such valuable opportunities for both players and staff.”
As the Titans continue to expand their international presence, the experiences of Van Der Schyff and Mashishi in Japan demonstrates the benefits of global sports collaborations. This initiative not only enhances player development but also significantly contributes to the growth of cricket in Japan.
