India edge Japan by two runs after final-over wide is overturned

India survived a major scare against Japan to win their first international meeting by two runs at Sano Cricket Ground. In a one-off T20 shortened to five overs per side, the world champions made 32-4 before restricting Japan to 30-3. BBC Sport reported that a disputed wide, overturned during the final over, played a significant part in the finish.

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Japan needed eight runs from the last over, bowled by Axar Patel. Alexander Shirai-Patmore attempted a reverse sweep, and the delivery passed down what would have been his leg side had he retained his original stance. The umpire initially called a wide, prompting objections from Axar and India captain Shreyas Iyer. Following a discussion between the two umpires, the decision was reversed.

That change left Japan requiring six runs from three deliveries rather than five from four. Axar completed the over without allowing the hosts to reach their target and finished with 0-7 from two overs. There was no decision review system in use, and BBC Sport noted that the manner in which the call was changed had drawn attention.

The report explained that the ICC's men's T20 international playing conditions remove a batter's usual leg-side wide protection once they change their hands or feet for a reversed shot. Both sides are then assessed as the off side. On that basis, BBC Sport suggested the eventual decision was correct, while distinguishing that assessment from questions about how the umpires reached it after India's complaints.

Japan's bowlers had earlier put the visitors under considerable pressure. Seventeen-year-old spinner Charlie Hara-Hinze took 2-17, dismissing Abhishek Sharma with the opener's first ball. India slipped to 14-3 before Iyer's 16 from 12 deliveries helped them reach 32. In reply, Japan were 8-2 after two overs but added 17 across the next two to keep victory within reach. Kadowaki-Fleming made 12 from 12 balls, while Washington took 2-13 for India.

The match was played as preparation for the men's Asian Games competition, which begins on 24 September. Japan have never qualified for a T20 World Cup, and this was their first international fixture against India. Their two-run defeat followed a bowling performance that limited the world champions to just 32 runs in the shortened contest.