India Edge Japan by Two Runs in Rain-Shortened T20 International
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
World champions India narrowly avoided a major upset on Tuesday as they defeated Japan by just two runs in a rain-affected T20 international in Sano, Japan.
The match was the first T20 international between the two teams and was played as part of events marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Japan.
India Score 32 in Five Overs
Rain and a wet outfield delayed the start of the match, resulting in the game being reduced to a five-overs-per-side contest.
India, led by Shreyas Iyer, batted first but found it difficult to score on the slow surface.
They finished their five overs at 32-4, giving Japan a realistic chance of producing a surprise result.
Japan Come Close to Historic Win
Japan, ranked 41st in the ICC rankings, responded strongly and kept the contest alive until the final delivery.
The hosts eventually reached 30-3, falling only two runs short of India’s total.
Japan captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming said his team was proud of taking the world’s top side to the final ball.
He acknowledged that falling narrowly short was difficult for the players, but said the performance was a significant moment for Japanese cricket.
Teenage Spinner Impresses
One of Japan’s standout performers was 17-year-old spinner Charlie Hara-Hinze.
The teenager took 2-17 in two overs and made an immediate impact by dismissing India’s opener Abhishek Sharma for a golden duck.
Kadowaki-Fleming also contributed during the chase, scoring 12 runs from 12 deliveries, but India’s experienced spin attack managed to prevent Japan from completing the upset.
Iyer Praises Japan’s Performance
India captain Shreyas Iyer praised Japan’s approach and competitiveness after the match.
He said the Japanese players showed an impressive attitude and approach throughout the contest and suggested the team was moving in the right direction.
The match was played at the Sano International Cricket Ground outside Tokyo, a venue with a capacity of around 2,000 spectators that is also used for baseball.
The crowd was largely made up of India supporters who had expected a comfortable victory, but Japan instead pushed the reigning T20 world champions to the final ball.
Japan Turn Attention to Asian Games
Japan will now prepare for the men’s T20 cricket competition at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
The team is scheduled to face Afghanistan in the opening match on Thursday at a converted baseball venue.
The narrow defeat against India provides Japan with valuable experience ahead of its Asian Games campaign.
