India survive Japan scare to secure narrow T20I win (Img: IANS)
Sano: India were pushed to the brink by Japan in a bizarre five-over thriller on Tuesday, surviving by just two runs after their batting collapse turned a routine T20I into a nail-biting finish.
After being restricted to just 33/4 in a five-over contest, India managed to defend the modest total as Japan finished on 30/3. The victory also marked India’s 200th win in T20 internationals, including victories achieved through Super Overs.
India’s two-run win ranks among their closest victories in T20 internationals. It is the fourth occasion on which India have won a T20I by exactly two runs, following victories against Sri Lanka in 2023, South Africa in 2012 and Bangladesh in 2016.
The match began after a delay of nearly two-and-a-half hours because of a wet outfield. India captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bat, but Japan’s spinners quickly made the most of the conditions.
India were reduced to 32/4 after five overs, with their batters unable to build any momentum.
Sanju Samson scored nine from seven balls before Abhishek Sharma was bowled off the first delivery of the innings without scoring. Ishan Kishan was then dismissed for three.
Iyer top-scored with 16 from 12 deliveries, while Tilak Varma remained unbeaten on one. Shivam Dube faced the final delivery but failed to make contact.
Charlie Hinze was Japan’s most successful bowler, finishing with 2/17, while Ibrahim Takahashi and Benjamin Ito-Davis claimed one wicket each.
Chasing 33 from 30 balls, Japan put India under serious pressure and came remarkably close to pulling off one of the biggest upsets in their cricket history.
Washington Sundar provided India with a crucial breakthrough by taking two wickets and slowing Japan’s progress. Axar Patel also kept the pressure on with tight and controlled bowling.
The hosts ultimately managed 30/3 in their five overs, falling just two runs short of victory and handing India a narrow escape.
The match also produced a contentious moment during the fourth over of Japan’s chase. A delivery initially called a wide was overturned after Axar Patel and Shreyas Iyer argued that the batter had attempted a reverse sweep, meaning the delivery should be considered legitimate.
Despite the defeat, Japan’s competitive performance provided encouragement ahead of the Asian Games. India, meanwhile, secured their 200th T20I win in a highly unusual five-over contest.
Brief Scores: India 33/4 in 5 overs (Shreyas Iyer 16, Sanju Samson 9; Charlie Hara-Hinze 2-17, Ibrahim Takahashi 1-13) beat Japan 30/3 in 5 overs (Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming 12, Benjamin Ito-Davis 9; Washington Sundar 2-13) by two runs.
