India held their nerve to beat Japan by two runs in a rain-affected five-over T20I at the Sano International Cricket Ground. The victory marked India’s 200th win in T20 internationals, including wins via Super Over.
After a nearly two-and-a-half-hour delay due to a wet outfield, India captain Shreyas Iyer opted to bat first. Japan’s spinners made the most of the conditions, restricting India to 33/4. Iyer top-scored with 16 off 12 balls, while Sanju Samson made nine and Ishan Kishan scored three. Charlie Hara-Hinze was Japan’s best bowler with 2/17.
Chasing 33, Japan came close to a major upset but finished on 30/3 in five overs. Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming scored 12, while Benjamin Ito-Davis remained unbeaten on nine. Washington Sundar took two wickets, while Axar Patel bowled a tight final over to seal India’s narrow victory.
India’s two-run win was their fourth T20I victory by the same margin.