India has got a thrilling 2-run victory over Japan in a historic one-off T20I cricket match. Played on Sano International Cricket Ground the match was delayed by rain and wet outfield and was decided to be reduced to 5 overs per side. India batted first and score 32/4 while in return Japan could only reach till 30/3.

This was the first senior men’s international match between India and Japan and it was also special in the context of India-Japan diplomatic relations 75th anniversary celebrations. BCCI and Japan Cricket Association has announced this fixture as Suzuki Cup.

India Won the Toss and Batted First

Indian captain decided to bat first after winning the toss. But in this five-over format Indian batters couldn’t catch up the expected pace. Japan bowling attack was disciplined and no mistakes were made to allow the batters to score freely. India could only score 32 runs losing 4 wickets. Shreyas Iyer was the highest scorer with 16 runs while the openers could not make much contribution to it.

Charlie Hara-Hinze bowled an amazing spell taking 2 wickets. The bowlers kept a constant pressure on the Indian batting lineup in this short format and managed to maintain a short target which h is easily achievable.

Japan Gets a Chance to Create History

There was a golden opportunity for Team Japan to create a historic upset by chasing a small target of 33 runs. Japan started the chase carefully and maintained their momentum after losing wickets. There was a point when Japan was at 25 runs after 4 overs and they only needed 8 runs in the final over. Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming and Benjamin Ito-Davis gave an important contribution for the team.

India Survives a Major Scare

There was huge difference in India-Japan squads and experience prior to the match but 5-over format made things interesting and unexpectedly close. India’s 32 run totals was a chaseable target and Japan came close to it as they needed only 8 runs from the final over.

From India’s bowling attack Washington Sunder took 2 wickets in his 2 overs and maintained a pressure on Japan’s batting lineup whereas Axar Patel was chosen to bowl the decisive over. His last over spell was brilliant as he did not let them score even a single boundary and manages to limit them at 30 runs thus winning the game by 2 runs.

India’s Asian Games Preparation

This was a preparation opportunity for India before their Asian Games 2026. India is the defending champions in the Asian Games men’s cricket tournament. The competition is starting on September 24 and India’s quarter-final is on September 28.