Japan will take on Nepal in Match 5 of the men’s cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games on Saturday, September 26. The Group A encounter will be played at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan, with the match scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM local time (5:30 AM IST).
Japan will be looking to bounce back after suffering a 48-run defeat against Afghanistan in their opening match of the tournament. The hosts restricted Afghanistan to 129/6 but were bowled out for just 81 in 19.3 overs. Reo Sakurano-Thomas top-scored with 23, while captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming made 14. With Afghanistan’s spinners taking seven wickets, Japan will need a stronger batting performance against Nepal.
The Japanese squad contains considerable experience, with 10 members of the 15-player group having featured at the delayed 2022 Asian Games. Captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming, wicketkeeper Wataru Miyauchi and all-rounders such as Benjamin Ito-Davis and Ibrahim Takahashi form the core of the side.
Japan are also familiar with the conditions at Korogi Sports Park, which could help them against a Nepal side featuring several established T20 players.
Here is the predicted playing XI of Japan against Nepal:
1. Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake
Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake is expected to retain his place as one of Japan’s opening batters. He faced Afghanistan in the tournament opener but was dismissed for a duck. The right-hander will be keen to make a better start against Nepal and give Japan a solid foundation during the powerplay.
2. Wataru Miyauchi (WK)
Wataru Miyauchi is likely to continue as the wicketkeeper and could open the innings. The experienced batter is one of Japan’s established players and was part of the XI against Afghanistan.
His role will be particularly important against Nepal’s varied bowling attack, which includes Sandeep Lamichhane, Karan KC and Lalit Rajbanshi.
3. Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming (Captain)
Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming will lead Japan from the top order. The left-handed batter also bowls right-arm off-spin, giving him the ability to contribute in both departments.
He scored 14 against Afghanistan before being dismissed by Arab Gul Momand. Against Nepal, Japan will need their captain to provide greater stability and use his experience to guide the batting unit.
4. Alexander Shirai-Patmore (WK)
Alexander Shirai-Patmore is expected to continue in the middle order. He took the wicketkeeping gloves against Afghanistan and also played an important role behind the stumps.
The left-hander offers Japan another option against Nepal’s spinners and could be required to accelerate during the latter half of the innings.
5. Benjamin Ito-Davis
Benjamin Ito-Davis is likely to retain his place at No. 5. The right-handed batter also bowls right-arm off-spin, making him another useful all-round option for Japan.
He bowled effectively against Afghanistan and will have a crucial role in preventing Nepal’s middle order from dominating.
6. Ibrahim Takahashi
Ibrahim Takahashi is expected to feature in the middle order while providing another off-spin option. He made a significant contribution with the ball against Afghanistan, claiming two wickets.
His ability to contribute in both departments makes him an important part of Japan’s balance. Against Nepal, he could be particularly useful if the pitch continues to favour spin.
7. Reo Sakurano-Thomas
Reo Sakurano-Thomas was Japan’s leading run-scorer against Afghanistan, making 23 off 24 deliveries. He also bowls right-arm medium pace, giving the captain another flexible option.
Japan will hope he can convert his start into a substantial score against Nepal.
8. Declan Suzuki-McComb
Declan Suzuki-McComb could continue as part of Japan’s bowling attack. The left-handed batter and right-arm medium bowler provides useful depth to the lower order.
His role will be to maintain pressure during the middle and death overs while contributing quick runs if Japan require them.
9. Shoma Sugaya-Slater
Shoma Sugaya-Slater is likely to spearhead Japan’s pace attack. He impressed against Afghanistan by taking two wickets for 18 runs.
The right-arm medium bowler’s ability to control the scoring rate will be important against Nepal’s aggressive top order.
10. Charlie Hara-Hinze
Charlie Hara-Hinze is another bowling option expected to feature. The left-arm orthodox spinner can provide variety to Japan’s attack and was part of the XI against Afghanistan.
With Nepal possessing several dangerous right-handed batters, his ability to change the angle and pace could prove useful.
11. Makoto Taniyama
Makoto Taniyama could complete Japan’s XI as their specialist leg-spinner. His inclusion gives the hosts a different spin option alongside the off-spin of Kadowaki-Fleming, Ito-Davis and Takahashi.
Taniyama could be particularly important against Nepal’s middle order, where wickets will be essential to restrict the scoring rate.
Predicted Playing XI of Japan vs Nepal
Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake, Wataru Miyauchi (WK), Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming (C), Alexander Shirai-Patmore, Benjamin Ito-Davis, Ibrahim Takahashi, Reo Sakurano-Thomas, Declan Suzuki-McComb, Shoma Sugaya-Slater, Charlie Hara-Hinze, Makoto Taniyama
Note: This is a predicted XI based on Japan’s announced Asian Games squad and their playing XI against Afghanistan. The official team will be confirmed at the toss.
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.