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Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming latest news today is attracting attention as the Japan captain leads his country into the men’s cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. Kadowaki-Fleming is captaining Japan in the tournament’s opening match against Afghanistan on September 24 at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin. He was also Japan’s captain for the historic T20I against India earlier this month.
Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming Latest News Today: Top Headlines
- Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming is Japan’s captain at the 2026 Asian Games.
- He is leading Japan in the opening Group A match against Afghanistan.
- Japan elected to field after winning the toss against Afghanistan.
- The match is being played at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin.
- Kadowaki-Fleming was also Japan’s captain against India on September 22.
- He is one of Japan’s leading T20 international run-scorers.
- The Japan captain is a left-handed batter and right-arm off-spin bowler.
- Japan’s Asian Games group also includes Nepal.
- Japan will face Nepal in its second Group A match on September 26.
- The men’s Asian Games cricket tournament runs from September 24 to October 3.
Who Is Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming?
Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming is a Japanese international cricketer who has become one of the leading figures in Japan’s men’s national team. The Japan Cricket Association lists him as a 30-year-old left-handed batter and right-arm off-spin bowler. His international debut came against Indonesia in October 2022.
He has represented Japan in international T20 cricket and has also played domestic cricket for teams including East Kanto Sunrisers and Chiba Sharks Cricket Club.
His growing role in the national team has now led to the captaincy during an important period for Japanese cricket.
Kadowaki-Fleming Named Japan Captain
Japan named Kadowaki-Fleming captain of its 15-member squad for the historic one-off T20I against India in September. The match in Sano was the first men’s international cricket meeting between Japan and India.
He subsequently retained the captaincy for Japan’s Asian Games campaign.
The Japan Cricket Association’s official tournament listing identifies Kendal Kadowaki-Fleming as Japan’s captain, with his playing profile showing him as a batter and off-spin bowler.
Afghanistan vs Japan Latest Match Update
Japan began its Asian Games campaign against Afghanistan on September 24. The Group A fixture is being played at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin.
Japan won the toss and elected to field. The confirmed playing XI lists Kadowaki-Fleming as captain, alongside Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake, Ibrahim Takahashi, Benjamin Ito-Davis, Alexander Shirai-Patmore, Reo Sakurano-Thomas and other members of the Japan squad.
The Afghanistan side is led by Darwish Rasooli and includes experienced players such as Najibullah Zadran and Karim Janat.
Because the match is ongoing, the final result should be checked after both innings are completed.
Japan vs India: Kadowaki-Fleming’s Historic Match
Before the Asian Games, Kadowaki-Fleming led Japan against India in a one-off T20I on September 22.
The match was significant for Japanese cricket because it marked Japan’s first men’s international meeting with India. India won the rain-shortened contest by two runs.
The experience gave Kadowaki-Fleming and his teammates an opportunity to play against an established international side before beginning their Asian Games campaign.
Kadowaki-Fleming had previously described the India fixture as an important opportunity for Japanese cricket to build relationships with top-level teams.
Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming Playing Style
Kadowaki-Fleming is listed by the Japan Cricket Association as a left-handed batter who bowls right-arm off-spin. His all-round skill set gives Japan another option in T20 cricket.
His leadership role is particularly important because Japan are competing against teams with considerably more international cricket experience. Afghanistan are one of the Full Member nations participating in the Asian Games, while Japan are among the Associate teams.
Japan’s Asian Games Schedule
Japan are placed in Group A alongside Afghanistan and Nepal.
Japan’s group matches:
- September 24: Afghanistan vs Japan
- September 26: Japan vs Nepal
The men’s competition features 10 teams. Afghanistan, Japan and Nepal are in the first-round group, with the top two teams advancing to the quarter-finals. India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh enter directly at the quarter-final stage.
The men’s cricket competition continues through October 3, when the medal matches are scheduled.
Japan Cricket and Kadowaki-Fleming
Kadowaki-Fleming’s rise to the captaincy comes as Japan seeks to expand its presence in international cricket. The 2026 Asian Games provide a major home tournament opportunity for the national side.
Japan’s squad includes players such as Charlie Hara-Hinze, Benjamin Ito-Davis, Ibrahim Takahashi, Reo Sakurano-Thomas, Declan Suzuki and Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake.
The team’s results during the Asian Games will provide further international experience for its players.
