Japan has officially announced its squad for a landmark men's Twenty20 international match against India, the reigning ICC T20 World Cup champions, scheduled for September 22 at the Sano International Cricket Ground. This match marks a significant milestone for Japanese cricket as they take on the world's top-ranked T20 side.
The selected squad mirrors the team chosen for Japan's upcoming Asian Games campaign in Nagoya, which kicks off just two days after the match against India. This strategic alignment allows the team to fine-tune their skills and cohesion ahead of the prestigious multi-sport event.
Leading the squad is Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming, Japan's all-time top run-scorer in T20 internationals. He is joined by experienced players Ibrahim Takahashi and Declan Suzuki-McComb, both of whom have surpassed 50 T20I appearances. Their experience will be crucial as Japan aims to make a mark on the international stage.
In preparation for the Asian Games, Japan has made some adjustments to their squad, excluding players who, while eligible for T20Is under ICC regulations, do not meet the Asian Games eligibility criteria. This decision has allowed emerging talent Jake Kusuda-Nairn to step into the squad, following a series of impressive performances in domestic cricket. Additionally, Tsuyoshi Takada returns to the national setup after making his debut at the ICC East Asia-Pacific Twenty20 Championship in 2013.
The squad also features Wataru Miyauchi and Makoto Taniyama, both of whom have honed their skills through Japan's cricket Bukatsu programmes in schools. Notably, Taniyama, a leg-spinner, has modeled his bowling action after Australian cricket legend Shane Warne, and he proudly wears the number 23 jersey in his honor. He stands out as Japan's leading wicket-taker across both pathway and international competitions.
Japan's squad for the T20I against India includes: Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming (c), Charlie Hara-Hinze, Benjamin Ito-Davis, Alester Kadowaki-Fleming, Kohei Kubota, Jake Kusuda-Nairn, Wataru Miyauchi (wk), Reo Sakurano-Thomas, Alex Shirai-Patmore (wk), Shoma Sugaya-Slater, Declan Suzuki-McComb, Tsuyoshi Takada, Ibrahim Takahashi, Makoto Taniyama, and Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake. Among them, Charlie Hara-Hinze, who played a pivotal role in Japan's Under-19 World Cup victory against Tanzania, is also included in the squad.
Benjamin Ito-Davis makes his return to the squad after recovering from a hand injury that curtailed his participation in the East-Asia Pacific T20 World Cup 2028 Sub-Regional Qualifier. Japan finished as runners-up in that tournament, remaining in contention for qualification for the 2028 T20 World Cup. They were tied on points with Papua New Guinea but were narrowly edged out on net run rate, despite securing a victory against the Barramundis on the final day.
The upcoming match against India will also serve as the launch of "Sport 75," an initiative born from a summit between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This initiative aims to foster exchanges and cooperation between Japan and India through sports.
Prior to facing India, Japan will play two T20Is against Hong Kong on September 19 and 20. Following these matches, they will compete in the Asian Games, where they are set to face Afghanistan on September 24 and Nepal on September 26. To advance to the quarter-finals, Japan will need to secure a top-two finish in their group.
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