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. Th...