Five Overs, Two Runs: India Survive Japan Thriller in Sano

XtraTime Webdesk: India has secured a win against Japan in a one-off international cricket match for the Suzuki Cup. This historic cup fixture marks the first ever men’s T20I meeting between the two nations and launches celebrations for the 75th anniversary of India-Japan diplomatic relations.

India achieved a narrow victory over Japan today at the Sano International Cricket Ground. Due to the wet outfield, the game was reduced to five overs per side, and the match also started late. India captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and chose to bat; the Japanese bowlers showed courage and made it harder for the Indian batting lineup.

India made only 32 for 4 in five overs, and Iyer played a crucial role, scoring 16, while Sanju Samson contributed nine. India lost Abhishek Sharma, Samson, and Ishan Kishan early before Iyer helped India to reach the modest total.

Japan also made it hard for India during the chase, showing their determination against the two-time defending champions. The captain of the Japan team, Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming, made 12 runs off 12 balls, which included one four. However, he got out on Washington Sundar’s ball.

Then their Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake came to bat but got out for just one run by a run-out by Ishan Kishan. Benjamin Ito-Davis and Japan’s wicketkeeper Shirai-Patmore tried to build the innings and win the match, but they failed. They were just four runs away for 1 ball, but they made only a single, which cost them the match.

This match was an exciting opportunity for Japan to play against a full member nation for the first time. This fixture also served as India’s final preparation ahead of their cricket campaign at the 2026 Asian Games.