India narrowly avoided a shocking defeat against Japan, securing a two-run victory over the hosts in a five-over T20 match at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Japan.

It was the first time Japan, ranked 41st in the world, faced the reigning world champions in an international T20 match. The game was organised to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Japan.

The match was reduced to five overs due to a wet outfield caused by rain. India won the toss and opted to bat but struggled badly against Japan’s spin attack, losing three wickets for just 14 runs.

Sanju Samson was dismissed for nine, Abhishek Sharma fell for a golden duck and Ishan Kishan scored three. Captain Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma then added 18 runs from 13 balls for the fourth wicket.

India eventually posted 32-4 in five overs, with Iyer scoring 16 off 12 balls, including one boundary.

With the pitch assisting spin, Japan used only spinners throughout their five overs. Charlie Harah-Hinze claimed two wickets, while Ibrahim Takahashi and Benjamin Ito-Davis took one each.

Japan’s chase got off to a difficult start as Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake was dismissed for one off the fifth ball of the first over. Takahashi then fell for four in the following over, leaving Japan struggling at 7-2.

However, captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming and Ito-Davis put Japan back in contention with an 18-run partnership from 14 balls for the third wicket.

Japan needed eight runs from the final over but could manage only five against India spinner Axar Patel. They finished on 30-3 in five overs, falling just two runs short.

Kadowaki-Fleming top-scored for Japan with 12 off 12 balls, including one boundary, while Ito-Davis remained unbeaten on nine and Shirai-Patmore on two.

For India, Washington Sundar was the standout bowler with 2-13. Iyer was named Player of the Match.