India narrowly survived a major upset scare against Japan on Tuesday, edging their opponents by just two runs in a rain-shortened T20 international in Sano.
The historic match marked the first T20 international between the two sides. It also formed part of celebrations marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Japan.
India entered the contest as overwhelming favourites after retaining their T20 World Cup title earlier this year. However, Japan produced a spirited performance and pushed the world champions all the way to the final ball.
Rain Reduces Match to Five Overs Per Side
Heavy rain and a wet outfield delayed the start at the Sano International Cricket Ground outside Tokyo.
As a result, officials reduced the match to a five-overs-per-side contest.
India, led by Shreyas Iyer, struggled to score freely on a slow pitch. They finished their innings at 32-4, leaving Japan with a realistic chance of producing a remarkable upset.
Japan responded with determination and reached 30-3 from their five overs.
The hosts needed only three runs from the final ball to tie the match. However, India’s experienced bowling attack held firm and secured a narrow two-run victory.
Japan Push India to the Final Ball
Japan’s players showed little fear against their far more experienced opponents.
Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming led the chase with a run-a-ball 12, but India eventually kept Japan below the target.
Kadowaki-Fleming said the result was difficult to accept because Japan had taken the match to the final delivery. Nevertheless, he described the performance as a major moment for Japanese cricket.
The result also highlighted Japan’s growing ambitions in international cricket.
17-Year-Old Spinner Stars for Japan
One of Japan’s biggest highlights came from 17-year-old spinner Charlie Hara-Hinze.
The young bowler opened the attack and immediately made an impact. He dismissed India’s opener Abhishek Sharma for a golden duck and finished with figures of 2-17 from his two overs.
His performance gave Japan early belief and added pressure to India’s batting lineup.
India eventually relied on their experienced spinners to control the chase. Their bowling unit kept Japan from finding the runs needed during the closing stages.
Historic Match Gives Japan Valuable Experience
The contest carried significance beyond the final score.
Japan’s men’s team entered the match ranked 41st by the ICC. It was also their first T20 international against an ICC full-member nation.
The Sano International Cricket Ground, which has a capacity of around 2,000 spectators, was filled largely with India supporters expecting a comfortable victory.
Instead, Japan delivered a competitive display that earned praise from Iyer.
The India captain said Japan’s approach was outstanding and suggested the team was moving in the right direction.
Japan Turn Attention to Asian Games
Japan will now shift its focus to the Asian Games, where men’s T20 cricket will feature at a converted baseball venue in Aichi-Nagoya.
Japan are scheduled to face Afghanistan in their opening match on Thursday.
Meanwhile, India’s narrow escape in Sano gives the defending T20 world champions a reminder that shortened matches can quickly erase the gap between established teams and developing sides.
For Japan, the two-run defeat provides valuable experience and confidence as the team continues to build its international cricket program.
