India Survive Japan Scare to Seal Historic 200th T20I Win

India escape Japan scare in two-run thriller

India survived one of the biggest scares in their T20I history on Tuesday, edging Japan by two runs in a rain-affected one-off international in Sano. The extraordinary result also made India the first team to record 200 wins in men’s T20Is, including victories decided by Super Overs.

Japan’s spinners put India under pressure

A delayed start caused by a wet outfield reduced the contest to five overs per side. Japan responded by using spin throughout India’s innings, with the ball turning from the first delivery and the damp conditions making strokeplay difficult.

India slumped to 32 for four. Abhishek Sharma fell for a golden duck, Sanju Samson was dismissed in the next over and Ishan Kishan also failed to make an impact. Shreyas Iyer’s 16 was the only substantial contribution as India struggled to find boundaries on a slow outfield.

Spin delivers India’s unlikely rescue

Japan needed only 33 runs to complete a remarkable upset, but India’s spinners exploited the same surface that had troubled their batters. Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Ravi Bishnoi kept Japan under control, restricting the hosts to 30 for nine from their five overs.

Despite needing just over six runs an over, Japan could not build enough momentum. India held their nerve to defend the lowest total imaginable in the shortened format and secure a two-run victory.

Late wide decision heightens drama

The finish became even more contentious in the final over. A delivery from Axar Patel to Alexander Shirai-Patmore was initially called wide after a reverse-sweep attempt went down the leg side. The decision prompted frustration from Axar Patel and wicketkeeper Sanju Samson.

Shreyas Iyer spoke to square-leg umpire Chris Brown before the umpires discussed the call and overturned it. The delivery was ruled not a wide, a decision that proved significant in a match ultimately settled by only two runs. Had the original call stood, Japan would have received an extra run and another delivery.