India Edges Past Japan in Thrilling T20 Match by Just Two Runs

In a gripping T20 International match held in Sano, Japan, India narrowly escaped defeat, winning by just two runs. The game was reduced to five overs per side due to rain, presenting a challenging pitch that tested both teams. Veteran spinner Axar Patel played a pivotal role in defending a modest total of 32 runs, showcasing his experience in a tense final over. Despite Japan's commendable performance, the conditions favored India's seasoned players. This match highlighted the unpredictability of T20 cricket, especially under challenging circumstances.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 22, 2026, 14:54 IST

Close Encounter in Sano

Sano (Japan): Veteran spinner Axar Patel played a crucial role in securing a narrow victory for India in a rain-shortened T20 International against Japan, winning by just two runs on Tuesday.

The match was limited to five overs per side due to rain, and the damp pitch provided unexpected turn, making it challenging for the Indian team, which could only muster 32 runs for 4 wickets.

In the defense of their modest total, India faced a tense situation when Ravi Bishnoi conceded 10 runs in the third over, and Washington Sundar (2/13) allowed seven runs in the penultimate over.

With eight runs needed in the final over, Axar's extensive IPL experience (over 150 matches) proved invaluable as he restricted batters Shirai Patmore and Benjamin Ito-Davis from scoring freely.

The rain also contributed to a slower outfield, complicating the chase for Japan.

During the last over, umpire Chris Thurgate made some controversial wide ball decisions as left-handed Patmore attempted a reverse slog but missed twice.

Indian captain Shreyas Iyer expressed his dissatisfaction to leg-umpire Chris Brown, leading to the reversal of one wide call.

Japan's performance was commendable, but the shortened format and challenging pitch conditions turned the match into a nail-biter.

Unlike the Aichi-Nagoya track, where the women's team excelled with aggressive batting, the Sano pitch did not favor the stroke play typical of T20 cricket.

Earlier, the relatively unknown Japanese spinners posed a significant challenge to India's renowned batting lineup, limiting them to a disappointing 32 for 4, prompting Iyer to reconsider his decision to bat first.

The moisture-laden pitch aided left-arm spinner Charlie Hara Hinze (2/17) and off-spinner Ibrahim Takahashi (1/13) in achieving notable turn.

Abhishek Sharma (0) fell to Hara-Hinze after mis-timing a slog sweep, while Takahashi's delivery deceived Sanju Samson (10), leading to a catch at mid-wicket.

Benjamin Ito-Davis (1/2) dismissed Ishan Kishan (3), who struggled against the turn and ended up giving a catch to mid-off.

Shreyas Iyer managed to score 16 runs with a boundary, but the pitch conditions made it difficult for the Indian players to play aggressively.

The combination of turn and pitch slowness contributed to their downfall, and the brief match duration left no room for recovery.

Kudos to the three Japanese spinners and captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming for their astute understanding of the local conditions.