India and Japan played a thrilling, rain-shortened five-over one-off T20I, with Axar Patel defending eight runs in the final over to seal a two-run win after Japan restricted the reigning world champions to 32/4. Japan’s bowlers impressed on a sluggish Sano surface, restricting India to 32/4. Shreyas Iyer top-scored with 16, while Japan’s Charlie Hara-Hinze claimed 2/17 and Ibrahim Takahashi took one wicket.
India captain Shreyas Iyer praised Japan’s “impeccable” attitude after India edged the hosts by two runs in a thrilling five-over T20I in Sano on Tuesday, while also highlighting the significance of the match held to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for a golden duck, while Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan also fell cheaply.
Speaking after the match, Iyer praised both India and Japan after their five-over T20I, highlighting the match’s significance in marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. “Firstly, congratulations to India and Japan for 75 years of diplomatic relations. Iyer said the wicket was difficult to bat on due to turn and variable pace, prompting India to focus on singles and doubles while playing each ball on merit.
He said he was pleased the game could be held after the players’ long journeys and the reduced format, and praised Japan’s performance. Iyer added that he embraces the pressure that comes with responsibility and said India would take things one step at a time, assessing conditions at the Asian Games venue before setting their standards and plans. Setting a standard and seeing where we go from there,” Iyer said at the post-match presentation. He praised Japan’s attitude and said the match provided India with good practice on the challenging surface. For us, it was great practice on the wicket,” he said.
It was a long travel for us, it took three hours for us to reach here (the stadium). Fans were thriving to see that this match was organised. Even though it was five overs, I was glad we got a game. Overall, it was an exciting game, they were also brilliant with their performances. With responsibility comes pressure, and I thrive under pressure… Always loving to explore this. Important we take one step at a time, go [to the Asian Games venue] and assess the conditions. “Was turning square, was a very difficult wicket to bat on. We saw the openers as well, not being able to gauge the pace of the spin. I decided it’s easy to take singles and doubles, interact with the batter who came in with me. Decided I’ll be playing on the merit of the ball. If the ball is turning and holding a bit, I’ll nudge for singles and doubles… See, I always keep saying a five-over game can go anywhere. I’m sure they’re on the right track.
The attitude the Japanese team showed today is impeccable.
