The cricketing world turned its eyes to the Sano International Cricket Ground today as India faced Japan in a historic one-off T20 International, the ‘Suzuki Cup’, marking the first-ever meeting between the two nations in men’s T20I cricket.
India’s captain, Shreyas Iyer, called correctly at the toss and elected to bat first, but persistent wet outfield conditions caused a significant delay, ultimately reducing the match to a five-overs-a-side contest.
The match, a key fixture ahead of the upcoming Asian Games 2026 and part of the ‘Sport 75’ initiative celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Japan, saw a crucial change in India’s lineup as all-rounder Washington Sundar and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah were included in the playing contingent.
Playing 11 For Both Teams
The Indian team features a mix of experience and rising talent, having recently swept Afghanistan 3-0 in a T20I series. Shreyas Iyer leads the side, with players like Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma in formidable form after their strong performances against Afghanistan.
Teams:
India (Playing XI): Sanju Samson(w), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer(c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Yash Thakur, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh
Japan (Playing XI): Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake, Reo Sakurano-Thomas, Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming(c), Benjamin Ito-Davis, Wataru Miyauchi, Alexander Shirai-Patmore(w), Charlie Hara-Hinze, Ibrahim Takahashi, Declan Suzuki-McComb, Makoto Taniyama, Shoma Sugaya-Slater .
Cricket fans in India can follow the live action on the Star Sports Network and stream it on FanCode. Broadcast details for other regions like the UK, USA, and Australia were not immediately available.
Today’s match marks a significant milestone in the cricketing calendars of both nations, offering Japan an invaluable opportunity to compete against one of the sport’s global powerhouses. Despite the weather-induced reduction in overs, the excitement remains high for this inaugural T20I encounter.