Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming leads Japan for T20I match against India
Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming will captain Japan in their highly anticipated T20 International against India on September 22. This landmark match takes place at the Sano International Cricket Ground. The Japanese roster closely mirrors the group preparing for the upcoming Asian Games in Nagoya. That regional tournament starts just two days after this clash with India.
Japan’s selection strategy prioritises Asian Games eligibility. Players meeting standard international T20 criteria but falling short of Asian Games rules were left out. This approach creates an opportunity for Jake Kusuda-Nairn, an emerging spin-bowling all-rounder who impressed during recent domestic games.
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Veteran player Tsuyoshi Takada makes his return. He first played for Japan during the 2013 East Asia-Pacific T20 Championship. The team also features Wataru Miyauchi and Makoto Taniyama. Both developed their skills within Japanese school cricket programs. Taniyama models his leg-spin action on Australian legend Shane Warne and wears jersey number 23 in his honor. He holds the record for most wickets taken for Japan across all levels of play.
Other notable inclusions are Charlie Hara-Hinze, a former Under-19 World Cup player, and spinner Benjamin Ito-Davis, who recovered from a hand injury. Japan recently secured second place in the East Asia-Pacific T20 World Cup 2028 Sub-Regional Qualifier, keeping their qualification hopes alive.
This upcoming match launches the "Sport 75" program. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi established this initiative to foster cultural exchange. Before facing India, Japan plays two T20Is against Hong Kong. Following the Sano match, they face Afghanistan and Nepal in the Asian Games, aiming for a quarter-final spot. Shreyas Iyer will lead the Indian squad for this historic encounter.
Sano International Cricket Ground
With Inputs from Agency Threads and Photo Courtesy: ANI and JCA
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