One-off T20I: India survive Japanese scare to win by 2 runs in rain-hit match
India narrowly defeated Japan by two runs in a rain-shortened T20 International cricket match. Despite a low score, Indian spinner Axar Patel's experience proved decisive in the final over.
Why it matters
The match highlights the growing competitiveness of emerging cricket nations against established teams in unpredictable, weather-affected conditions.
Seasoned spinner Axar Patel choked the inexperienced Japanese batters just in time as India survived a scare to win the rain-curtailed one-off T20 International between the two mismatched sides by a mere two runs on Tuesday (September 22, 2026).
With the match being reduced to five overs-a-side due to inclement weather and the underlying moisture on the surface offering more than expected turn, the apparent gulf in talent and experience was seemingly bridged as India managed only 32 for 4 in five overs hitting a total of three boundaries.
While defending the target, India looked in danger of being embarrassed when Ravi Bishnoi went for 10 runs in the third over and Washington Sundar (2/13) gave away seven in the penultimate over.
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