Organized to commemorate 75 years of bilateral diplomatic relations between Japan and India, the one-off exhibition match was reduced to a five-over shootout following inclement weather. What was widely expected to be a one-sided affair quickly turned into a tense, wire-to-wire encounter on a sluggish pitch at the Sano International Cricket Ground.
Taro Kono, a prominent figure in Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party and the nation’s former foreign minister, voiced both surprise and pride over the host team's spirited challenge against the reigning world champions.
The nail-biting finish highlighted the rising profile of cricket in non-traditional territories, particularly in Japan, as it looks forward to the sport's return to the Olympic program.
India secures a narrow escape against Japan in rain-curtailed encounter
Sent in to bat under overcast conditions, an Indian lineup led by Shreyas Iyer found itself immediately stifled by the disciplined Japanese bowling attack. Japanese pacer Charlie Hara-Hinze spearheaded the assault with figures of 2/17, while Ibrahim Takahashi added a wicket, leaving India reeling at 32/4 across their 30 deliveries.
India's top order crumbled early - opening batter Abhishek Sharma fell for a first-ball duck, followed by quick departures of wicketkeeper-batters Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan. Only Iyer offered resistance, steering the innings with an indispensable 16 runs.
Chasing a target of 33, the hosts endured an early wobble, slipping to 7/2 within the initial overs. Japan recovered through a resilient partnership between Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming and Benjamin Ito-Davis, setting up a thrilling finish. Kadowaki-Fleming scored 12 vital runs before being removed in the penultimate over by off-spinner Washington Sundar, who led the Indian bowling unit with two wickets.
Japan entered the final over requiring eight runs for an unprecedented victory. However, experienced left-arm spinner Axar Patel held his nerve under immense pressure, conceding five runs to limit Japan to 30/3 to secure a win.
Edited by Ankush Das
