Japan have warmed up for the upcoming Women's East Asia Cup with a convincing 5-0 whitewash of Singapore in the first ever matches between the two sides.

The series began on Tuesday in Sano with the home side bowling Singapore out for just 53, a target that they chased down in 8.5 overs to win by nine wickets. Singapore improved in the second game on Wednesday, batting out their overs to post a total of 76-9, but Japan made short work of it again with Erika Oda hitting an unbeaten 52 from 34 balls to secure another nine wicket win, this time in 9.1 overs.

After a rest day, it was Japan's turn to bat first in the third game on Friday, scoring 111-6. Singapore batted out their overs again in reply, scoring 94-5 to lose by 17 runs. Japan could only manage 98-8 from their 20 overs in gme four yesterday, but this was still enough for a 42 run win as Singapore were bowled out for 56.

The conclusion of the series came today with Japan scoring 118-6 from their 20 overs, Haruna Iwasaki hitting her maiden T20I fifty. Captain Mai Yangida then took 4-8 as the visitors were bowled out for 89, securing a 29 run match win and a 5-0 series win for the home side.

Japan squad with the series trophy

Japan now travel to Incheon in South Korea for the East Asia Cup which gets underway on Tuesday, when Japan will play defending champions Hong Kong. South Korea are playing in the tournament for the first time since 2019. China - the only team other than Hong Kong to have won the event - will be involved again, whilst Mongolia are a new addition to the tournament this year.