There was delight from the home fans as they witnessed the Japanese team come from behind to defeat Venezuela 5-4 at the Miyoshi Kinsai Stadium.

Venezuela forged into a 4-2 lead after an impressive third inning before Japan bounced back in the fifth to draw level.

Japan then won it with a two-out and two-strike walk-off hit by catcher Nanako Hanabusa.

The victory is Japan’s third in a row after wins over Puerto Rico and France to move them a step closer to qualifying for the finals.

Chinese Taipei are also unbeaten after the first three matches as they powered to a 12-6 victory over Puerto Rico.

A stunning first inning gave Chinese Taipei a 6-1 lead before Puerto Rico hit back in the next to cut the deficit to 6-4.

Chinese Taipei picked up three more scores on the fourth inning as it proved too strong for Puerto Rico to wrap up a third successive triumph.

The other match saw Cuba cruise to an 11-1 success over France.

It was Cuba’s first win of the tournament, while France remain winless after three straight defeats.

Competition is due to continue tomorrow with a mouthwatering clash between Japan and Chinese Taipe as well as Cuba’s meeting with Venezuela and Puerto Rico’s match against France.