New Delhi: India secured a thrilling two-run victory over Japan in a rain shortened one-off T20I at the Sano International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, winning a historic contest that was reduced to just five overs per side.
Put in to bat, India struggled against Japan’s disciplined spin attack and the challenging conditions. The visitors managed only 32 for four in their allotted five overs, with the Japanese bowlers making good use of the turn and extra bounce on offer.
Captain Shreyas Iyer top scored for India with a composed 16 from 12 deliveries. His innings included one boundary and provided much needed stability after India lost wickets early. Sanju Samson contributed nine runs from seven balls, including a boundary, but India were unable to accelerate significantly during the short innings.
Japan’s Charlie Hara Hinze was the standout bowler, finishing with two wickets for 17 runs from his two overs. He dismissed Abhishek Sharma for a duck before removing Iyer as Japan kept India under pressure throughout the innings.
Chasing 33 for victory, Japan made a determined attempt but found India’s bowling attack equally difficult to negotiate. The hosts finished on 30 for three after their five overs, falling narrowly short of the target.
Washington Sundar played a decisive role with the ball for India, claiming two wickets for 13 runs and helping restrict Japan during the tense run chase.
With only three runs separating the teams at the start of the final over, India held their nerve to prevent Japan from completing what would have been a memorable chase. The two run margin ensured India walked away with victory from a tightly fought historic encounter in Sano.
