India survived huge Japanese scare to win by two runs in historic T20I

India’s Sanju Samson, left, bats against Japan (AP/PTI) India survived a massive scare against Japan to secure a thrilling two-run win in the historic one-off T20 International in Sano on Tuesday, with the shortened contest producing one of the tightest finishes in the team’s T20I history.After India were reduced to just 32 for four from their five overs, their backs were against the wall. But their spinners turned the match around as Japan were restricted to 30 for nine in their five overs, allowing India to escape with a narrow victory.The result also saw India become the first team to record 200 wins in men’s T20Is, including wins in Super Overs.

India overwhelmed by Japanese spinners

The game promised fireworks from the Indian batting line-up, but it was the Japanese spinners who stole the show.With the match reduced to five overs per side after a delayed start caused by a wet pitch, Japan used rotation for all five overs and found plenty of help from the surface.The ball started spinning right from the first delivery and the Indian batsmen struggled to adjust. Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for a golden duck while Sanju Samson followed in the next over. Ishan Kishan also failed to stay long.Shreyas Iyer provided India’s only substantial contribution with a 16-run knock, but India could only manage 32 runs from their five overs.The wet conditions made it even more difficult for the batsmen. The outfield was slow and boundaries were difficult to clear, adding to the challenge of scoring quickly.Japan left the innings with much celebration as they reduced one of the world’s strongest T20I teams to such a meager total.

Indian spinners turned the game around

Needing just 33 runs from five overs, Japan looked to have a huge opportunity to complete one of the biggest upsets in their cricketing history.But India’s attack had other plans.Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Ravi Bishnoi kept the pressure on Japan, taking advantage of the same conditions that plagued the Indian batsmen.Japan struggled to gain momentum and despite needing just over six runs, failed to get over the line. In the end, India held their nerve to defend a small target to win by two runs.

The controversial wide call adds to the drama

The tension reached another level in the final when a wide challenge against Axar Patel was overturned following a discussion between the on-field umpires.Alexander Shirai-Patmore attempted another reverse and the delivery went down the leg side. The initial decision was called wide, much to the frustration of Axar and goalkeeper Sanju Samson.Shreyas Iyer then spoke to square leg umpire Chris Brown as the two umpires discussed the decision. The original call was eventually overturned and the ball did not rule far and wide.With a final lead of just two laps, the overturned call added another layer of intrigue to an already dramatic matchup. Had the original wide decision stood, Japan would have received an extra run and one more innings in a match that was ultimately decided by just two runs.