Ahilya Chandel, a 23-year -old all-rounder from Japan’s women’s cricket team, first captured the attention of Indian fans when she acted as a net bowler for Delhi Capitals ( DC) during their 2025 WPL season. She is now poised to take part in a historic moment as host nation Japan faces India Women in the quarter-final of the Asian Games at Karogi Sports Park, Nisshin, on September 18.
Japan played against India in the Women’s T20 quarterfinal at the Asian Games, held at Korogi Athletic Park in Nisshin, Aichi. Japan was bowled out for 57 in 19.5 overs. India scored 59 for the loss of 2 wickets in 5 overs, winning by 8 wickets and securing a spot in the semi-finals.
Ranked just below Australia and England, India proved superior to the Japanese team. Japan is participating in its third Asian Games. The team had previously secured a bronze medal at the 2010 Asian Games. Playing at home gave the Japanese team an extra edge during the tournament, as Korogi Athletic Park in Nagoya drew a sizable crowd of local fans.
Ahilya Chandel, the half-Indian batter on Japan’s team, found the match especially significant due to her heritage and her path in cricket. Facing one of the world’s top-ranked teams at home provided the young cricketer with a special experience.
Cricket World quotes Chandel saying, “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.”
She further added, “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.”
India advanced to the semi-finals , where they played against Bangladesh on Sunday. In the other semi-final, Pakistan faced Sri Lanka, who had beaten Malaysia by 86 runs in their quarterfinal.
