India survive Japan scare to reach 200 T20I wins

In a rain-shortened, five-overs-a-side one-off T20I at the Sano International Cricket Ground, India defeated Japan by two runs, narrowly avoiding a historic upset. This marked India's 200th T20I victory, including Super Over victories, making them the first nation to reach this milestone.

Rain was on the way for the historic game from the beginning. India chose to bat first in a five-over match after losing a lot of time. Runs, on the other hand, were difficult to come by due to the adverse weather and conditions. India's top order was stunned early by Japan's unheralded spin attack that took advantage of the underlying pitch moisture.

On the final ball of the first over, opener Abhishek Sharma was caught by Charles Hinze for a golden duck. India were left struggling at 14 for 3 in the third over when Benjamin Ito removed Ishan Kishan for just three and Ibrahim Takahashi quickly dismissed Sanju Samson for 9 two balls later. Before falling to Hinze in the final over, Captain Shreyas Iyer provided crucial resistance, scoring 16 runs off 12 balls and a boundary. Hinze (2/17), Ito (1/2), and Takahashi (1/13) led Japan's disciplined bowling effort as India finished their five overs on 32 for 4.

Japan started with captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming and Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake, who were run out by Ishan Kishan in the opening over itself, chasing 33 runs for a historic victory.

Washington Sundar, an offspinner, struck twice, retiring Takahashi for four and Kadowaki-Fleming for a run-a-ball 12, and going 2 for 13. The number of required deliveries was reduced to eight before Japan lost its skipper. Japan would have been proud of themselves even though they needed eight runs in the final over.

Axar Patel sent down two wides, the second of which was overturned - a point that proved pivotal in India's defence. Japan needed six in the three remaining deliveries and all they could manage were singles off each as Axar held his nerve to avoid a major upset.