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Japan are set to face India in a historic one-off T20I at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi on Tuesday, September 22. The fixture will be the first-ever men’s international meeting between Japan and India and comes just two days before Japan begin their 2026 Asian Games campaign.
Japan have named the same 15-member group for the India T20I and their Asian Games campaign. Captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming, the country’s leading T20I run-scorer, will be at the heart of the batting lineup, while experienced players such as Ibrahim Takahashi and Declan Suzuki-McComb provide valuable international experience.
Japan have also shown encouraging form in T20I cricket, winning three of their last five completed matches. With the team preparing for the Asian Games, the encounter against a strong Indian side represents an important opportunity for several players to test themselves at the highest level.
Here is Japan’s predicted playing XI for the historic clash against India:
Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake could open the innings for Japan. The right-handed batter has been used near the top of the order and can provide an attacking start. Against India’s formidable new-ball attack, his biggest challenge will be surviving the powerplay while still keeping the scoreboard moving.
Reo Sakurano-Thomas is another candidate to feature at the top of the order. He can complement Yamamoto-Lake by rotating the strike and building an opening partnership. Japan will need their top order to absorb the pressure early if they are to put together a competitive total.
Kadowaki-Fleming is the most important batter in Japan’s lineup. The captain is his country’s leading T20I run-scorer and has been one of their most dependable performers in the format.
His experience will be particularly valuable against India’s international-class bowling attack. Japan will expect their captain to anchor the innings while also accelerating when opportunities arise.
Benjamin Ito-Davis is likely to occupy the No. 4 position and provide balance as an all-rounder. He recently returned to the national setup after recovering from a hand injury and has the ability to contribute in both departments.
His four-over potential could be particularly useful against India’s left-handed batting options.
Charlie Hara-Hinze has emerged as an exciting young talent in Japan’s setup. He was part of Japan’s victorious U19 Cricket World Cup campaign and has already shown his ability to contribute with the ball.
His slow left-arm bowling could be crucial during the middle overs, especially against India’s aggressive batters.
Ibrahim Takahashi brings considerable experience to the side and is one of Japan’s premier spin-bowling options. Cricket World identified him as one of Japan’s key players for the encounter, particularly for his ability to control the scoring rate and strike at important moments.
He could play a major role if the Sano surface offers assistance to spinners.
Alester Kadowaki-Fleming is expected to add further depth to Japan’s middle order. His presence allows the hosts to maintain a balanced batting unit while giving captain Kendel another bowling or fielding option depending on the match situation.
Wataru Miyauchi could take responsibility behind the stumps. The wicketkeeper-batter is part of Japan’s official squad and has also come through Japan’s domestic cricket pathway.
His wicketkeeping will be tested heavily against India’s aggressive batting lineup, while his batting could become important if Japan lose early wickets.
Declan Suzuki-McComb is one of the most experienced players in Japan’s squad. Alongside Kadowaki-Fleming and Ibrahim Takahashi, he is among the players with more than 50 T20I appearances for Japan.
His experience should prove valuable in a high-profile match where Japan will be dealing with enormous pressure and expectations.
Makoto Taniyama should spearhead Japan’s spin attack. The leg-spinner is Japan’s leading wicket-taker across their pathway and international competitions.
Taniyama’s variations could make him an interesting proposition against India’s powerful middle order, particularly if he gets the opportunity to bowl during the middle overs.
Shoma Sugaya-Slater is likely to complete Japan’s bowling attack. He can provide a pace option and will have the difficult assignment of operating against India’s explosive top order.
Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake, Reo Sakurano-Thomas, Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming (C), Benjamin Ito-Davis, Charlie Hara-Hinze, Ibrahim Takahashi, Alester Kadowaki-Fleming, Wataru Miyauchi (WK), Declan Suzuki-McComb, Makoto Taniyama, Shoma Sugaya-Slater
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