Japan are set to host India in a one-off T20I match ahead of the Asian Games, set to take place at the Sano International Cricket Ground on Tuesday, September 22. This is set to be the first meeting between the two teams. The match will come under the Sport 75 initiative, launched to promote sporting clashes and cooperation between the two countries, marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Japan.
This would be the last leg of preparation for the reigning T20I World Champions, who are coming off a 3-0 series whitewash against Afghanistan in Delhi. Japan are set to be the 20th opponent that India will take on in the T20I format, and the eighth associate team that they will play. Ahead of this highly anticipated clash, here is a peek into India’s T20I record against associate nations.
Has India ever lost to an associate team in T20Is?
No. India have played 13 matches against associate teams and have won all 13. They have played seven different associate sides in T20Is in the past, with Japan set to be the eighth team they will play. The tie against Japan will be their 14th match, and they will be looking to extend their 100 per cent record against associate nations. The Japan side will be up against history and one of the strongest outfits in the world game.
India’s only losses to associate nations have come in the ODI format. Their first such loss came against Sri Lanka, before they were granted full-member status. The 1979 World Cup saw India suffer a 47-run loss to their Asian rivals at Old Trafford, failing to chase down a target of 239 and being bundled out for 191. They have suffered just two more losses, both to Kenya, once in 1998 and again in 2001. The final match of the Coca-Cola Triangular series saw India suffer a 69-run loss in Gwalior in 1998, and were also beaten by the same opponents three years later in Port Elizabeth.
Japan could make history with a victory, becoming the first associate side to beat India in T20Is, but will be up against it, with the Indian team coming into the series in fine form.
