'This opportunity was amazing, especially for me' - Japan's Ahilya Chandel reflects on India clash

Japan faced India in the Women's T20 quarterfinal at the Asian Games on September 18, 2026, at Korogi Athletic Park in Nisshin, Aichi. Japan was dismissed for 57 in 19.5 overs. India reached 59 for 2 in 5 overs to win by 8 wickets and advance to the semi-finals. India, ranked behind only Australia and England, proved too strong for the Japanese side.

Japan is competing at its third Asian Games. The team had previously won bronze at the 2010 Asian Games edition. Playing at home provided an additional boost for the Japanese squad during the tournament, with Korogi Athletic Park in Nagoya attracting a good-size crowd of home supporters.

Ahilya Chandel, the half-Indian batter in Japan's squad, found the match particularly meaningful given her heritage and her journey in cricket. Playing against one of the world's top-ranked teams at home created a unique moment for the young cricketer.

"This opportunity was amazing, especially for me. Being half-Indian, it was extra special. Watching the team on TV and now being able to face them in real life has been great. From this game we can learn a lot about what we can work on in the future, if we get to face them again or play higher-ranked teams," said Chandel as quoted by Cricket World.

Learning from a top-ranked opponent

Chandel also reflected on the learning opportunities from facing a higher-ranked opponent. Competing against India provided valuable insights into the standards required to compete at the highest level of international women's cricket.

"Playing at home was really good and special. Friends and family came, along with supporters and our sponsors. There were probably fans who didn't know cricket but came to watch because it was a new sport for them. That's what we want as a women's cricket team, to attract Japanese people who don’t know cricket," said Chandel.

India progressed to the semi-finals, where they faced Bangladesh on Sunday. Pakistan and Sri Lanka contested the other semi-final, with Sri Lanka having defeated Malaysia by 86 runs in their quarterfinal.