Fans go wild as India survive Japan scare to register thrilling win in the one-off T20I

Sep 22, 2026

Tags:
No tags for this post.

Spread the love

India beat Japan in a thrilling clash

India narrowly held their nerve to secure a two-run victory over Japan in a rain-affected one-off T20I at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Sano, Kanto. Reduced to just five overs per side because of a wet outfield, the contest produced a much tighter finish than expected, with Japan pushing India all the way in a low-scoring encounter.

The shortened format made every delivery important, while difficult batting conditions meant neither side was able to dominate with the bat. India eventually defended 32 runs, with their bowlers doing enough in the final stages to prevent Japan from completing what would have been a memorable chase.

India manage only 32 runs in five overs

India’s explosive batting lineup had little opportunity to display its full range as the challenging conditions made stroke-making difficult. The pitch was not particularly easy to bat on, while the damp outfield also slowed the ball and reduced the value of boundaries.

India finished their five overs at 32/4, with Shreyas Iyer top-scoring with 16 runs. Sanju Samson contributed nine, but Japan’s bowlers kept the Indian batters under pressure throughout the innings.

Charlie Hara-Hinze was particularly effective with the ball, claiming 2/17. Japan’s disciplined bowling, combined with the conditions, ensured India could not build the sort of total that would normally provide significant breathing room in a T20 contest. With only 32 runs on the board, Japan had a genuine opportunity to create an upset when they walked out to chase the target.

Japan push India until the final delivery

Japan responded with determination and made India work hard for the victory. Their chase reached 30/3 at the end of five overs, leaving them just three runs away from the target before the final result was confirmed.

Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming led Japan’s scoring effort with 12, while Benjamin Ito-Davis remained unbeaten on nine. Japan’s batters managed to keep the chase alive despite the difficult surface and slow outfield, with the narrow margin highlighting just how competitive the shortened game became.

India needed their bowlers to maintain control, and Washington Sundar played an important role by taking two wickets for 13 runs. His breakthroughs helped interrupt Japan’s momentum at crucial moments and ensured India retained the advantage.

Washington Sundar and Axar Patel help India avoid Japan upset

The spinners were arguably the most influential performers throughout the contest. Rather than the expected fireworks from India’s batters, the bowlers dictated the tempo on a surface where scoring freely proved difficult. Sundar’s 2/13 was particularly valuable, while Axar Patel‘s experience also came to the fore. Axar kept Japan under pressure during his two overs, conceding very little and making it difficult for the hosts to accelerate.

In the end, Japan finished on 30/3, two runs short of India’s 32/4. The result gave India victory in a contest that could easily have gone either way, while Japan’s spirited chase ensured the one-off T20I became a closely fought affair despite being reduced to only five overs per side.

Also READ: Fans thrash Abhishek Sharma after India star goes for golden duck against Japan in one-off T20I

Here’s how fans reacted

Also READ: Not Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma! Suryakumar Yadav picks the skill he wants from another cricketer

For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.

Related Posts

MCW Sports Subscribe
FC Bayern Signs a Three-Year Deal with Asia’s iGaming brand, Mega Casino World
Football Icon Lukas Podolski Takes Asia Brand Ambassador Role with Mega Casino World
Mega Casino World announces Anrich Nortje as the newest Brand Ambassador
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Subscribe to our Newsletter