On September 22, 2026, Japan’s skipper Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming thought back on a fierce five-over Twenty20 International against India at Sano, where his team came within one delivery of a historic upset. In the first-ever men’s international cricket match between the two countries under the Suzuki Cup brand, India scored 32 for 4 in their five overs and Japan responded with 30 for 3, losing by two runs. Japan’s leading scorer in the chase was Kadowaki-Fleming, who made 12 off 12 at the top of the order before falling on the last delivery of the fourth over. As a result, Japan needed nine runs from the final over.
Kadowaki-Fleming acknowledged the emotional toll of coming so close to an upset in a post-match speech
Both teams were put to the test on a difficult Sano pitch in the rain-shortened match, but Japan’s performance against elite opposition had a profound effect on their leader. Kadowaki-Fleming acknowledged the emotional toll of coming so close to an upset in a post-match speech. I’ve been telling a couple other people that when the game gets that close, it’s really a little harder to accept the loss, and our group’s emotions are running pretty high. However, Kadowaki-Fleming was quoted , “I think it’s pretty special that we were able to run the best team in the world to the last ball of a game. “He continued, “It’s a feeling of pride right now, but I’m sure there will be a few moments that replay through our minds on the long bus road nowhere.”
Against India’s batting lineup, Japan’s bowling assault was especially successful. Charlie Hara-Hinze, a left-arm spinner, performed admirably, taking 2 for 17 in his two overs. The 17-year-old, who represented Japan in 38 Twenty20 Internationals and participated in the Under-19 World Cup last year, showed his abilities against more seasoned opponents. Hara-Hinze had dismissed India’s Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for a run-a-ball 23 during their match at the Under-19 World Cup.
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When the umpires reversed a wide verdict on Axar Patel‘s ball in the last over, there were dramatic moments. Axar’s next delivery, which was similarly missing leg but much closer to the batter who was trying a reverse sweep, was first declared wide before being overturned in response to questions from the India players. Axar’s last delivery had been way down the leg side and had been declared wide. Japan would have required six deliveries out of four if the wide call had been upheld.
Kadowaki-Fleming acknowledged the burden of chasing on a challenging surface and the challenge presented by India’s elite spin attack. Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Ravi Bishnoi are among their elite spinners. We knew it would be very difficult on our Sano wicket, but at [a necessary run-rate of] six and a half, your mind does sort of wander and you believe you get a couple out of the middle and you never know,” Kadowaki-Fleming remarked.
With 36 hours until their next Asian Games match, Japan had to make a speedy turnaround. On September 24 and 26, respectively, the team was supposed to play Afghanistan and Nepal in Nisshin.
