Devajit Saikia, the BCCI Secretary, reflected on the match’s significance, emphasising that it was more significant than the outcome.
On September 22, 2026, India emerged victorious in a one-off Twenty20 International against Japan by a margin of two runs at the Sano International Cricket Ground. Japan’s inaugural men’s international cricket match against India was played in a five-over format due to inclement weather.
India batted first and scored 32 for 4 wickets in their five overs. Shreyas Iyer was the highest-scoring player with 16 off 12 balls. Under the Sport 75 initiative, which is designed to commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Japan, the fixture was conducted.
Japan’s pitching performance and India’s batting
India’s batting performance was initially impeded by Japan’s bowling attack. Abhishek Sharma was dismissed without causing any concern for the scorers, and Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan also retired at a low cost. India’s total was sustained by Shreyas Iyer’s composed 16 off 12 deliveries, which enabled the team to reach 32 for 4 in their allotted five overs.
Japan’s pursuit commenced with an initial setback, as the team was reduced to 7 for 2 wickets. The innings was stabilised by the resistance provided by Japan captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming and Benjamin Ito-Davis in the middle overs.
India’s most outstanding bowler was Washington Sundar, who finished with a 2 for 13 record and claimed two wickets. At a critical juncture in Japan’s pursuit, Sundar dismissed Kadowaki-Fleming, who had scored 12 runs from 12 deliveries.
In order to successfully conclude the chase, Japan needed eight runs from the final six balls. Axar Patel was assigned the responsibility of defending the final over, and he successfully restricted Japan to 30 for 3 wickets, thereby securing India’s two-run victory. Charlie Hara-Hinze was the most successful bowler in the match, recording 2 for 17 for Japan.
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Devajit Saikia expressed confidence in the fixture’s potential to have a significant impact on the expansion of cricket in Japan and the broader region.
He emphasised that the sport would be more firmly established in the country and neighbouring territories as a result of the enthusiasm exhibited by Japanese supporters and players.
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