India beats Japan by two runs in T20 final-ball thriller
Japan's 41st-ranked team forced world champions India to the final ball in a five-over T20, needing eight runs to win.
A three-hour rain delay cut the match to five overs per side, played on a slow, soggy wicket in Sano. India's batsmen struggled, finishing on just 4-32.
Japan's lower-ranked side started at 2-7 but fought back through captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming, who scored 12. Needing eight runs from the final over bowled by Axar Patel, Japan's Alex Shirai-Patmore could manage only one run off the last ball.
Patel's composure sealed India's two-run win. Afterwards, Kadowaki-Fleming praised his team: taking the world champions to the final ball was 'pretty special'.
- 41st
- Japan's world ranking
- 5 overs per side
- Match format
- 4-32
- India's total
- 8
- Runs needed off final over
Why it mattersThe result proves smaller cricket nations can compete at the highest level, and India gains valuable preparation in similar conditions for the Asian Games.
AustraliaNo direct Australian impact, but the tight finish highlights how competitive global T20 cricket has become.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 d ago
