India survived a major scare against Japan, edging out the hosts by two runs in a rain-shortened one-off T20I at the Sano International Cricket Ground on Tuesday.
The match was reduced to five overs per side after a lengthy delay caused by a wet outfield. India managed only 32/4 after struggling against Japan’s spin-heavy attack before restricting Japan to 30/3.
Axar Patel held his nerve in the final over, conceding only five runs as India defended their modest total. Japan needed four runs from the final delivery to pull off a historic upset but could manage only a single.
Japan’s spinners trouble India
India won the toss and opted to bat, but the reduced format and slow surface made scoring difficult.
Japan used spin for all five overs, with Charlie Hara-Hinze, Ibrahim Takahashi and Benjamin Ito-Davis exploiting the conditions effectively.
Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for a golden duck, while Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan also fell cheaply. Captain Shreyas Iyer top-scored for India with 16, but India managed only two boundaries in their five overs.
India eventually finished on 32/4, with Hara-Hinze claiming two wickets.
Washington Sundar keeps Japan under pressure
Japan began the chase positively but lost Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake early after Ishan Kishan produced a sharp piece of fielding, hitting the stumps with a direct throw.
Washington Sundar then struck twice to put India back in control. However, Ravi Bishnoi conceded 10 runs in his over, leaving Japan needing eight from the final six deliveries.
That brought Axar Patel into the attack for the decisive final over.
Last-ball drama seals India’s win
The final over produced further drama, including a wide decision that was overturned by the officials.
Japan entered the last delivery needing four runs for victory. The hosts could score only one, leaving them on 30/3 and India with a narrow two-run victory.
The result gave India victory in the first T20I meeting between the two sides, while Japan came within touching distance of one of the biggest upsets in their international cricket history.
India’s spin concerns remain
Despite the victory, India’s batting struggles against spin were evident once again.
Japan’s spinners consistently hit the right areas and prevented India’s top order from finding momentum. With the Asian Games campaign approaching, the narrow escape provides India with a reminder of the challenges posed by disciplined spin bowling on slower surfaces.
India’s next major assignment is the Asian Games, where the team will enter the cricket competition as defending champions.
