A significant moment for international cricket is set to take place at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture, where Japan will face India in a much-anticipated one-off Men’s T20I. The match, being played as part of the Suzuki Cup, is also linked to the ‘Sport 75’ initiative celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and India. While the occasion carries considerable significance off the field, the fixture also provides both teams with an important opportunity to prepare for their respective campaigns at the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

Japan, currently ranked 41st in international cricket, faces a major challenge against one of the strongest teams in the format. Captain and leading run-scorer Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming will spearhead the hosts, with experienced players including Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake, Makoto Taniyama and wicketkeeper Wataru Miyauchi also expected to play key roles. With the Sano surface traditionally offering slower conditions, Japan could look to make the most of its familiarity with the venue while adopting an aggressive approach against the Indian side.

India, meanwhile, will be led by Shreyas Iyer and arrive with a squad featuring considerable international experience and firepower. The batting unit includes attacking options such as Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, while Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube provide further depth through the middle and lower order. Their bowling department is equally formidable, with Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh leading the pace attack and Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Ravi Bishnoi adding variety through spin.

Although India will enter the contest as the more experienced side, the game remains an important exercise for their preparations. With the Asian Games ahead, the team will have an opportunity to assess combinations, adapt to conditions and build momentum before the intensity of the knockout stage begins.

Japan vs India, One-off T20I, Fixture details

• Fixture: Japan vs India, One-off T20I (Suzuki Cup)
• Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2026
• Time: 9:30 AM IST / 1:00 PM Local Time / 4:00 AM GMT
• Venue: Sano International Cricket Ground, Sano, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan

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Squads

Japan: Kendel Fleming(c), Shirai Patmore(w), Alester Fleming, Benjamin Ito Davis, Reo Sakurano Thomas, Kohei Kubota, Wataru Miyauchi, Declan Suzuki, Ibrahim Takahashi, Makoto Taniyama, Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake, Tsuyoshi Takada, Charlie Hara-Hinze, Shoma Slater, Jake Kusuda-Nairn

India: Sanju Samson(w), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Shreyas Iyer(c), Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Yash Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Washington Sundar, Vipraj Nigam, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Broadcast and Live Streaming Details

Fans in India can watch the historic India vs Japan T20I live through the FanCode app and website, while the match will also be televised on the Star Sports Network. Viewers in Japan will be able to follow the landmark encounter for free on Tochigi TV, ensuring local cricket fans can witness the historic occasion

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